Nagtahan Bridge’s southbound lane to be closed for repairs starting this month

The southbound lane of Nagtahan Bridge in Manila will be closed for rehabilitation and repairs, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said on Tuesday.

In a press briefing, MMDA Chairman Benhur Abalos showed photos of the cracks found in the walls and concrete of the southbound of the flyover.

“The reason why we are showing you this dahil alam kong maraming motorists ang magiging inconvenienced sa mangyayari, ma-tatraffic. Pero please tignan niyo naman yung danger: delikado naman ito, ang laki ng crack na ito, baka bumigay ang ating tulay,” Abalos said.

(The reason why we are showing you this is because I know many motorists will experience inconvenience and heavy traffic will occur. But please look at the danger, the size of this crack is dangerous, maybe our bridge will collapse.)

Last February, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) found several cracks on the wingwall, the concrete pedestal of the steel railings, and the circular joint jackets of the flyover.

The Nagtahan flyover is included in the DPWH's list of Metro Manila bridges due for repair.

“The southbound lane [will be closed] up to April [next year] but for the meantime the northbound lane will be open but it is still undergoing repair maski na open siya [even though it remains open],” Abalos said.

Alternative routes

Trucks and trailers have been banned from using Nagtahan flyover in Manila since February 20 following the recommendation of the DPWH to reduce its load limit.

The MMDA advised trucks coming from SLEX to take Quirino Ave., turn left on Quirino Ave. extension, left to UN Ave., pass the Romualdez St. to Ayala Blvd. to their destination.

Meanwhile, trucks coming from NLEX are advised to take A. Bonifacio Ave., right to C3, R-10, to their destination.

Trucks coming from Aurora Blvd., should turn right C3, then to Pier.

The MMDA, however, noted that the light vehicles will be allowed to pass.

Abalos said the rehabilitation and repairs on the bridge are expected to be completed in April 2022. — BM, GMA News