DPWH: Heavy trucks, trailers banned from Nagtahan Bridge after predawn fire

After a predawn fire that razed shanties under the Nagtahan Bridge in Manila Friday, the Department of Public Works and Highways have barred heavy trailer trucks from passing over the bridge. In a travel advisory posted on the DPWH website Friday afternoon, DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson said the fire "seriously damaged" four spans of the bridge. "To prevent further untoward incident to happen to the motorists, the DPWH has decided to reduce the bridge load capacity to 10 tons only. Heavy trailers (and) trucks are prohibited to pass over Nagtahan Bridge until further notice," he said. Earlier Friday, a fire of undetermined origin razed several houses under the Nagtahan Bridge in Manila's Sta. Mesa district. While no one was initially reported hurt, the bridge had to be briefly closed to traffic. Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority released a list of alternate routes for trucks and trailers. The routes include: Southbound: From A. Lacson to South Superhighway - Right turn to Legarda, straight to P. Casal, Ayala Boulevard, left turn to San Marcelino, left turn to P. Quirino, right turn to South Superhighway - Left turn to R. Magasaysay Boulevard, right turn to Old Sta. Mesa, right turn to Sta. Mesa - Nagtahan link bridge, right turn to P. Quirino, take next U-turn opening to South Superhighway Northbound: From South Superhighway to A. Lacson-Tayuman - Right turn to P. Quirino, left turn to Plaza Dilao, right turn to P. Quirino Avenue Extension, left turn to United Nations Avenue, right turn to Romualdez, right turn to Ayala Boulevard; P. Casal, Legarda, left turn to Bustillos, right turn to H. Loyola, left turn to A. Lacson. — LBG, GMA News