Brace for worse traffic congestion with rehab of Manila bridges, flyover

TRAFFIC CONGESTION in Manila is expected to worsen starting Sept. 15 as rehabilitation work starts on the Old Sta. Mesa Bridge, Mabini Bridge, and the Nagtahan flyover. The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), in a statement yesterday, said it has given the green light to the Department of Public Works and Highways for the construction works that will take four to seven months to complete. “The Old Sta. Mesa Bridge that connects San Juan and Manila cities will be closed for seven months,” said MMDA General Manager Jose Arturo S. Garcia. The bridge’s reconstruction is to give way to the ongoing construction of Skyway Stage 3 Project, an elevated expressway that will connect Makati and Quezon City. Repair works for the Mabini Bridge and Nagtahan flyover, on the other hand, will last for four months. Contractors are allowed to work only from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.