Motorists bear brunt of heavy traffic as Ayala Bridge closes for repairs

Ayala Bridge. FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Motorists and commuters on Saturday experienced heavy traffic on major thoroughfares in Manila at the start of the scheduled month-long closure of the Ayala Bridge for repairs.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has asked for patience from motorists saying that people should expect heavy traffic on streets such as Quezon Boulevard, United Nations (UN) Avenue, Taft Avenue, Legarda, Quirino, Recto, Magsaysay and Roxas Boulevard.
The MMDA said the Ayala Bridge would be on “full closure” from March 21 to April 20, while parts of the bridge would be opened only to light vehicles from April 21 to July 20.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) would rehabilitate the bridge to restore its “structural integrity” including raising the bridge by .75 meters to give more headroom to barges plying the Pasig River and prevent these from hitting its posts, which weakens the structure.

The MMDA has said that close to 35, 000 vehicles pass the bridge every day and would be affected by the closure.

It advised motorists to take alternate routes.

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