Viaduct risky no more

MANILA, Philippines - While other bridges and structures in Metro Manila are in danger of collapsing if a massive earthquake occurs, the Alabang Viaduct, once considered risky for motorists, is now one of the safest and secure bridges in the country following rehabilitation works on the more than 30-year old bridge.

Warnings from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology that a 7.0-magnitude earthquake similar to the one that struck Haiti last January 12 could damage a third of public buildings in Metro Manila prompted the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to conduct emergency inspections of various structures in the metropolis. The inspections are also in line with the government’s disaster preparedness program to ensure public safety and minimize damage in case of natural disasters.

The DPWH found out that two bridges along the South Superhighway, the Osmena Bridge and the Jesus Bridge , are of risk of collapsing and recommended immediate retrofitting – strengthening the bridges’ foundations by driving additional piles and reinforcing its columns.

In 2000, the Alabang Viaduct was declared unsafe after cracks were discovered. The 1.2 kilometer bridge is economically important for it connects Metro Manila to the rest of the south. It is a major gateway for goods coming in and out of the metropolis and to the many industrial parks in the south.

Prior to the rehabilitation, heavy trucks and freight movers were banned from using the bridge to prevent further damage and are forced to use the ground level road causing massive traffic in Alabang and delays in freight movement undermining investors’ confidence. All kinds of vehicles are now allowed to pass over the viaduct provided their loads do not exceed the allowable limit under the law.

“We can assure the public that the Alabang Viaduct and all the bridges in the expressway from Alabang to Sto. Tomas, are safe and meet the international standards,” said Isaac David, president of the Southern Luzon Tollway Corporation (SLTC).

SLTC, a member of MTD Group of Malaysia , is working on the rehabilitation and modernization of the 28-kilometer South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and the 8 kilometer extension from Calamba to Sto Tomas. MTD Capital Berhad which financed the project, is the second largest tollway operator in Malaysia.