By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz/Philippine News Agency
MANILA — Starting Saturday (August 3), The Tomas Claudio Bridge in Pandacan, Manila would be temporarily closed to traffic to make way for the construction of Skyway Stage 3, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced on Wednesday.
In a press conference in Makati City, MMDA general manager Jose Arturo “Jojo” Garcia said the elevated bridge connecting Valenzuela Street, Santa Mesa in the north to Quirino Avenue in the south will not be passable for the next six months.
“Starting Saturday, that’s August 3 at 10 P.M., yung atin pong (our) Tomas Claudio bridge will be closed down for six months to give way doon po sa (for the) construction ng Skyway connector,” Garcia said.
An estimated 12,000 motorists daily are expected to be affected by the closure.
Vehicles are rerouted to the intersections below the bridge as they will remain open while heavy vehicles from Beata Street are to take Jesus Street to Quirino Avenue extension.
To address the possible adverse effect of the closure, Garcia said they have directed their enforcers and those from local government units (LGUs) to clear all alternate routes in the area starting Thursday (August 1) morning for a smoother flow of traffic.
“You need to clear all alternate routes. Kahit maliit ‘yan, (even it’s narrow), no parking 24/7,” Garcia said.
Last Monday, the 3.7-kilometer Buendia-Paco segment of the Skyway Stage 3 with an exit at Plaza Dilao ramp was partially opened to motorists.
The Skyway Stage 3 is a 14.82 km 6-lane elevated road which will connect the South Luzon Expressway in Alabang to Balintawak in Quezon City and is targeted to be completed by early 2020.
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