Ayala Bridge closed for 3 more weeks

SLIGHT RAISE, HEAVY JOB As part of its P448-million upgrade, the span over Pasig River which connects Manila’s Ermita and San Miguel districts is being raised by 70 centimeters.NIÑO JESUS ORBETA

Ayala Bridge in Manila will remain closed for rehabilitation for another three weeks, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said on Wednesday.

The bridge was supposed to be opened on Tuesday, April 21, based on a monthlong timetable set by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), but DPWH-National Capital Region director Reynaldo Tagudando said there was still a need to move underground cables found on the approaches to the bridge.

Tagudando said the cables belonged to a utility firm, which must first move them before the DPWH could resume work improving the structural integrity of the bridge.

The official said the bridge may be partially opened to vehicles starting May 13.

Ayala Bridge runs across the Pasig River to connect Manila’s Ermita and San Miguel districts. It was closed to motorists starting March 21 for improvements which the DPWH said would make it more earthquake-resistant.

The project costs P447.9 million, with Frey-Fil Corp. and EEI Corp. as contractors, the agency said.

The work also involves raising the bridge by 70 centimeters to give more headroom for barges plying the Pasig River. Tagudando said one side of the bridge was already lifted on Wednesday.

Motorists and commuters are advised to continue using alternative routes earlier set by the MMDA. With the continued closure of the bridge, heavy traffic is expected in Manila, particularly on Quezon Boulevard, United Nations Avenue, Taft Avenue, Legarda, Quirino, Recto, Magsaysay and Roxas Boulevard.

An estimated 35,000 vehicles use the bridge daily.