Repair of Otis Bridge in Manila expected to take nine months to a year

Journalists and local authorities mill around the damaged portion of the Otis bridge in Paco, Manila. INQUIRER.NET / FAYE ORELLANA

The repair of the Otis Bridge in Manila is expected to take nine months to one year, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said.

Otis Bridge was closed to motorists on Tuesday morning due to “instability.”

In a press briefing, MMDA General Manager Jojo Garcia said, “We cannot compromise safety. Motorists and truckers have to take a detour for their safety.”

Garcia said heavy traffic is expected around the area due to the closure of the bridge.

He directed Bong Nebrija, head of MMDA’s Task Force Special Operations, to intensify the removal of illegally parked vehicles and other obstructions along alternate routes to ease the traffic situation in the area.

The repair of Otis Bridge will be undertaken on a 24/7 schedule.

Garcia noted that the permit for the bridge’s repair was obtained way back in 2016.

However, the work was put on hold to give way for the rehabilitation of Concordia Bridge and also the relocation of an electric post in the area.

Old structure

Mike Macud, DPWH South Manila District Engineer , said the girder supporting the 50-year-old bridge collapsed because of the weight of thousands of vehicles crossing it daily.

“We consider this bridge an old infrastructure. The girder supporting the bridge already collapsed,” Macud said.

“There are at least 6,000 trucks passing the bridge daily,” he said.

Alternate routes

MMDA ADVISORY: Otis Manila Bridge closed to traffic as per MDRRMC. Motorists are advised to avoid the location and take altenate routes. #mmda

— Official MMDA (@MMDA) June 26, 2018

Meanwhile, the MMDA suggests the following alternate routes while Otis Bridge  undergoing repair:

FOR LIGHT VEHICLES

From Nagtahan to South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), turn right at Zamora Street, left to President Quirino Extension to point of destination.

FOR TRUCKS/ TRAILERS

From South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) to R-10, take President Quirino Avenue, left turn at Plaza Dilao, right to President Quirino Avenue Extension, straight to U.N. Avenue, right to Romualdez, right to Romualdez to point of destination.

From R10 to SLEX, right at C-3 Road, 5th Avenue, left to A. Bonifacio Avenue, NLEX, right to Smart Connect Service Road, right to Mindanao Avenue to point of destination.   /vvp