MMDA Warns of Traffic Congestion in Manila due to Bridge Repairs

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is warning the public to expect heavy traffic in Manila in the coming days, specifically along President Quirino Avenue, as sections of the Concordia Bridge and the Nagtahan Bridge will undergo repairs.

The reconstruction of the Concordia Bridge has been ongoing ever since the construction of the Skyway Stage 3 Project started in the area in May 2018, although sections of the bridge have remained partially open. For the latest round of repairs and rehabilitation, the northbound lane of the bridge will be closed starting 11 AM tomorrow, Saturday, on February 9.

The southbound lane, which was earlier closed, will be reopened to traffic at the same time, with vehicles heading north and south sharing the three remaining lanes of the bridge.

“Three lanes on the southbound will be divided into a two-way traffic,” MMDA General Manager Jojo Garcia said in a press briefing.

Once opened, two lanes will be dedicated for vehicles going to Manila area from 6 AM to 2 PM to accommodate the heavy volume of vehicles going to various streets of Manila. The other lane will be for vehicles going to Roxas Boulevard or the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) area.

“From 2 PM to 10 PM, the course will be vice versa,” Garcia clarified though.

As for the Nagtahan Bridge, its outer lanes will be closed by next week to give way to ongoing works for the Skyway Stage 3 project.

The Skyway Stage 3 project is envisioned to be a 17.38-kilometer elevated expressway from Buendia in Makati City to Balintawak in Quezon City. The project aims to connect the North Luzon Expressway and South Luzon Expressway, and is seen to decongest traffic in the metropolis especially along EDSA, C-5, and central Manila.