Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson has urged motorists to take alternate routes once the eastbound lane of Sales (Nichols) bridge is closed to traffic for repairs starting this Wednesday.
Singson said the eastbound lane going to Fort Bonifacio and across the South Luzon Expressway would be closed starting at 1 p.m. on April 11 up to 10 p.m. on June 11 to give way to the rehabilitation and retrofitting of the bridge.
“With the closure of Sales Bridge Eastbound, [the] motoring public from Manila, Makati and from the South are advised to take alternate routes to avoid inconvenience,” he added.
For those coming from Manila/Makati on Osmeña Highway, they can turn right on Buendia Avenue and take Roxas Boulevard or Macapagal Avenue to their destination. Those from Makati who are traveling on EDSA can take Tramo, Roxas Boulevard or Macapagal Avenue.
On the other hand, motorists from the south can take C-5.
Singson said trucks coming from the Port Area bound for the East Service Road and FTI area could take the Bicutan exit of the South Luzon Expressway. They may also pass through A. Bonifacio, Mindanao Avenue to C-5 and then turn left on the East Service Road.
At the same time, the public works chief welcomed the toll discount being given by Citra Metro Manila Tollways Corp. and Skyway O&M Corp. to motorists using the Skyway-NAIA Expressway.
“This will surely mitigate traffic buildup at the project area inasmuch as reduced toll [rates] will encourage more users,” Singson said.
According to him, the construction of the Sales interchange component was under package I-A of the NAIA Expressway and related road projects.
It also includes geometric modification of the second loop with weigh bridge relocation and the rehabilitation/widening of the Pasong Tamo-Juliano Avenue intersection that will be implemented by the Department of Public Works and
Highways Urban Road Project Office.
Singson said the Sales Bridge rehabilitation was in line with his department’s program to ensure public safety as the old bridge had shown signs of deterioration.