THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will start the reconstruction of the damaged 50-year-old Otis Bridge whose girder collapsed recently.
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) General Manager Jojo Garcia advised motorists to take alternative routes since repairs may take at least nine months to a year.
Garcia said light vehicles may take Nagtahan, turn right at Zamora Street, then left to President Quirino Extension.
Vehicles coming from South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) can take President Quirino Avenue, turn left at Plaza Dilao, right to President Quirino Avenue Extension, straight to U.N. Avenue, turn right to Romualdez then right to Ayala Boulevard.
Meanwhile, drivers of cargo and trailer trucks were advised to take R10, turn left to C-3 Road, then 5th Avenue, turn left to A. Bonifacio Avenue, NLEX, turn right to Mindanao Avenue and onwards to their destination.
Garcia directed MMDA Task Force Special Operations head Bong Nebrija to remove illegally parked vehicles and other obstructions along the alternate routes to mitigate the expected traffic congestion resulting from the bridge’s repairs.
For the safety of motorists, the MMDA installed plastic barriers around the damaged portion of the bridge, particularly in the middle section where cracks have developed.
Garcia also asked the DPWH to tap barangay tanods (village police) in managing traffic flow in the area in coordination with MMDA traffic enforcers.
“We cannot compromise safety. Motorists and truckers have to take a detour for their safety,” Garcia said.