Traffic plan out as Ayala Bridge closes

MANILA, Philippines—The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) appealed for patience from motorists as the month-long closure of Ayala Bridge in Manila begins on Saturday to pave the way for its repair.

“They should avoid the area as much as possible and take alternate routes instead,” MMDA Chair Francis Tolentino said, adding that people should expect heavy traffic on major thoroughfares in Manila such as Quezon Boulevard, United Nations (UN) Avenue, Taft Avenue, Legarda, Quirino, Recto, Magsaysay and Roxas Boulevard.

From March 21 to April 20, the bridge will be closed to all kinds of traffic as it will be rehabilitated by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to restore its structural integrity.

However, from April 21 to July 20, parts of the bridge will be reopened but only to light vehicles.

Among the repairs to be done on Ayala Bridge include raising it by .75 meters to give more headroom to barges plying the Pasig River and prevent these from hitting its posts, thus weakening the structure.

DPWH National Capital Region (NCR) director Reynaldo Tagudando said that night-time repairs would involve gantry installation, side wall construction and blasting.

MMDA advisory

The MMDA, meanwhile, advised all vehicles going north from Romualdez Street to turn left on Ayala Boulevard, right on Taft Avenue then take Quezon or Jones Bridge to their destination. On the other hand, all motorists coming from Roxas Boulevard or Taft Avenue should take either Quezon or Jones Bridge going to Quezon Boulevard.

Southbound vehicles coming from Magsaysay Boulevard, Legarda Street and Lacson Avenue can take Nagtahan or Mabini Bridge, turn right on M. Guazon Street, straight to UN Avenue to their point of destination. Those from Magsaysay Boulevard, Legarda Street and Lacson Avenue should take Nagtahan or Mabini Bridge then head straight to President Quirino.

Another option for southbound vehicles coming from P. Casal Street is to turn right on Carlos Palanca Road to McArthur Bridge.

Tolentino earlier said that the agency approved the month-long complete closure of the bridge since the DPWH wanted to complete it in time for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.

Parts of the bridge, however, will be open to light vehicles from April 21 to July 20. The east side will be partially closed from April 21 to June 14 although it will be open one-way northbound.

The west side will be partially closed from June 15 to July 20 but one-way traffic will be observed on the northbound lane. Maricar B. Brizuela