In a significant development aimed at fortifying Metro Manila's infrastructure against potential seismic threats, the 50-year-old Guadalupe Bridge in Makati City is next in line for extensive repair and retrofitting. This comes on the heels of the successful completion of repair work on the southbound portion of the Kamuning flyover in Quezon City, which reopened to motorists ahead of schedule.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced that the Guadalupe Bridge, a vital link between Makati and Mandaluyong, will undergo crucial strengthening to withstand possible earthquakes, including the much-feared "Big One." This planned retrofitting is part of a broader initiative to ensure that key infrastructure can endure seismic events.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
The recently concluded repairs on the Kamuning flyover were completed two months ahead of the original October deadline, according to MMDA chief Romando Artes. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) had closed the flyover's southbound lanes on May 1 for retrofitting, aiming to bolster its structural integrity against potential earthquakes. Data from the MMDA Traffic Engineering Center highlights the flyover's significance, with approximately 24,000 four-wheeled vehicles and 23,000 motorcycles using the southbound lanes daily.
As the DPWH and MMDA shift their focus to the Guadalupe Bridge, preparations are underway to minimize traffic disruption. DPWH National Capital Region Regional Director Loreta Malaluan mentioned that construction of a temporary bridge is being planned to accommodate vehicular flow during the retrofitting process. However, the project will only commence once extension lanes on EDSA are established to alleviate anticipated traffic congestion.
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Meanwhile, ongoing rehabilitation works are being carried out on the Magallanes flyover in Makati City, but these activities are limited to nighttime hours to reduce the impact on daily traffic.
The urgency of these infrastructure upgrades cannot be overstated. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has issued warnings about the West Valley Fault, which is overdue for activity and could trigger a devastating earthquake with a magnitude of up to 7. In response, the retrofitting of bridges like Guadalupe is seen as a critical measure to enhance the region's preparedness for such a catastrophe.
As Metro Manila braces for future seismic events, these infrastructure projects underscore the importance of proactive measures in safeguarding the metropolis and its residents. The timely completion of these retrofitting efforts is essential to ensuring the continued resilience of the city's critical transportation networks.
Source: MalayaBusinessInsight
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