MMDA warns of heavy traffic due to closure of Estrella-Pantaleon Bridge

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Sunday warned motorists to expect heavy traffic on EDSA due to the closure of Estrella-Pantaleon Bridge near Rockwell for rehabilitation.

In a Balitanghali interview, MMDA spokesperson Celine Pialago said the closure of the bridge, which connects the cities of Makati and Mandaluyong, means vehicles will have to be re-routed to Guadalupe Bridge.

The Estrella Bridge was closed to traffic starting 8 a.m. on Sunday. The rehabilitation is expected to take 30 months.

"I have to be honest right now na magdudulot talaga ng pagbigat ng daloy ng trapiko. One hundred thousand na sasakyan daily ang dumadaan dito sa Rockwell Bridge, at inaasahan na lahat ng motoristang maapektuhan ay iikot lang po ng EDSA at dadaan ng Guadalupe Bridge," Pialago said.

There will also be no alternate routes for motorists, Pialago said, aside from the Guadalupe Bridge.

"Dahil itong Rockwell Bridge ay nasa business district din ng Rockwell, yung mga maaapektuhan ay wala talagang choice kundi umikot ng EDSA," she said.

The rehabilitation of the Estrella-Pantaleon Bridge is part of a P5.27-billion Chinese grant to the Philippines to retrofit bridges.

Pialago stressed that the rehabilitation of the bridge is only meant to ensure the safety of the motorists and passengers.

"We cannot compromise safety over traffic. I'm just being honest with you right now na bibigat, worst talaga yung magiging sitwasyon ng daloy ng trapiko," she said.

"Pero sa mga bridges, kailangan talaga natin silang i-repair para na rin sa kaligtasan ng mga motorista," she added.

Pialago added that in the first quarter of 2019 it will be Guadalupe Bridge's turn to undergo rehabilitation. — Erwin Colcol/BM, GMA News