Estrella-Pantaleon bridge closure to push through next week

MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority on Friday said the closure of the Estrella-Pantaleon bridge will push through on January 12.

In an advisory, the MMDA said that the Department of Public Works and Highways would demolish and reconstruct the bridge to expand it into four lanes. The closure will start at 8:00 a.m. Saturday.

The project was initially set for September, but the government was forced to reopen the bridge “due to public clamor and apprehension of businessmen on possible economic losses.”

The bridge connects Rockwell in Makati to Barangay Barangka Ibaba in Mandaluyong City. Over 100,000 vehicles use the bridge to travel between Makati and Mandaluyong cities daily.

The project contractor, China Road and Bridge Corp., also considered the heavier traffic situation prior to the holidays in delaying the closure.

READ: DPWH reopens Estrella-Pantelon Bridge

Motorists have to re-route to EDSA-Guadalupe Bridge or Makati-Mandaluyong Bridge that connects Barangay Poblacion in Makati City and Barangay Hulo in Mandaluyong City.

The project is scheduled for completion in 2021.  — Ryan Macasero