DPWH monitoring 12 more NCR bridges with 'poor' conditions

Aside from the Otis Bridge in Manila, 12 other bridges in the National  Capital Region are currently being monitored by the Department of Public Works and Highways because of their "poor conditions."

Among the 12 is the historic Old Santa Mesa Bridge or San Juan del Monte Bridge connecting the city of San Juan and Santa Mesa in Manila, which was marked by the DPWH with an overall condition of "poor" in November 2017, according to a report by Bam Alegre on "News To Go" on Wednesday.

It had marks of being worn out, as steel used for support is already noticeable in the middle part of the bridge.

The bridge was closed to heavy trucks, and a warning sign was placed that it could carry up to only 10 tons.

"Iniiwasan na ito ng mga truck na dumadaan dito kasi may bitak na sa banda roon. 'Yun ang kinakatakutan ng mga dumadaaan... Araw-araw nandito ako, pinagmamasdan ko talaga, gumaganu'n parang duyan eh," Danilo Lanada, a barangay tanod, said.

The bridge is historic  as it became a combat zone when Philippine and American forces battled in 1899.

Records show that American soldiers were on guard at the bridge when they fired at some Filipinos, sparking the Filipino-American war.

The battle, which was led by General Elwell Otis on the side of America, lasted up until 1902. Thousands from both camps died.

Last Tuesday, the Otis Bridge in Paco, Manila was closed to traffic due to cracks. 

On the other hand, the Vito Cruz Bridge 2 in Manila has also been labelled as "poor" by the DPWH, but trucks continue to pass through it. Houses are also constructed on its side, making the bridge more accident-prone. —Jamil Joseph Santos/LBG, GMA News