Otis Bridge long deemed weak; motorists advised to use alternate routes

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) National Capital Region Director Melvin Navarro on Wednesday said Otis Bridge in Paco, Manila had long been deemed structurally weak.

Navarro explained in an interview on Unang Balita that repairs on Otis Bridge were delayed to allow its use as an alternate route.

"Nakasabay ito, ongoing 'yung Skyway banda diyan sa Quirino [Avenue]. Ito ginagamit kasi ito na alternate routes, even 'yung malalaking sasakyan," he said.

"Lalong napabilis 'yung kanyang pag-deteriorate dahil ito na talaga 'yung main thoroughfare," Navarro continued.

DPWH secured funds for repairs for Otis Bridge as far back as 2015 and had plans contracted in 2016.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Tuesday closed Otis Bridge due to "progressive collapse" of the structure.

Otis Bridge will be reopened after a year, but Navarro said DPWH District Engineer Mike Macud speculated a minimum of nine months for complete repairs due to its total closure.

Similar repairs to old bridges are needed to fortify them against natural disasters like 'The Big One' or the large earthquake predicted to hit Metro Manila, but traffic made it more difficult to carry out repairs.

"Meron tayo talagang mga tulay na mahina na dahil matagal na kasi ang mga ito. Hindi lang magawa-gawa dahil nga sa traffic," Navarro said.

The DPWH has funds reserved for Guadalupe Bridge but has been unable to carry out repairs due to traffic.

Once repaired, the Sta. Monica Bridge and other roads will be considered as alternative routes to carry out plans on the Guadalupe Bridge.

Alternate routes

Pedestrians are allowed to use Otis Bridge, but motorists were advised to take alternate routes, according to a report on Unang Balita by Vonne Aquino.

Light vehicles coming from Nagtahan going to South Luzon Expressway may turn right on Zamora Street, then left on Quirino Avenue Extension.

Trucks coming from SLEX going to Road 10 in Manila should take Quirino Avenue, turn left at Plaza Dilao, right on Quirino Avenue Extension, straight to UN Avenue, then right on Romualdez Street.

Trucks coming from Road 10 going to SLEX may turn rugiht on C-3 Road, 5th Avenue, then left on A. Bonifaco Avenue, right on Smart Connect Service Road, then right on Mindanao Avenue.

Clearing ops

Meanwhile, families living under Otis Bridge were evacuated and are now under the care of the local government, said Celine Pialago, spokesperson of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority.

One of the residents living under the bridge, Len Calagos, said they have been living under the bridge for the past four years. She asked for help in relocation.

The MMDA is also conducting clearing operations on streets near Otis Bridge.

 —Rie Takumi/KG, GMA News