Rerouting scheme for Ayala Bridge rehab out

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority ( MMDA) has released a traffic management plan for motorists, pedestrians and commuters to be affected by the fourmonth rehabilitation of the Ayala Bridge in Manila.

To pave the way for its rehabilitation, the MMDA has approved the month-long total closure of the Ayala Bridge from March 21 up to April 20.

From April 21 up to July 20, the bridge will only be partially closed. Motorists can only use limited lanes.

“I am appealing to the motorists for patience. They should avoid the area as much as possible and take alternate routes instead,” said MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino, citing that the DPWH is rushing to complete the repair of the bridge in time for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.

Tolentino said the bridge will be elevated for 1.75 meters to provide more space for passing barges along the Pasig River.

Areas expected to be affected by the closure of the bridge include major thoroughfares such as Quezon Boulevard, United Nations Avenue, Taft Avenue, Legarda, Quirino, Recto, Magsaysay, and Roxas Boulevard.

The MMDA advised motorists to take note of these alternative routes:

For northbound motorists from Romualdez Street, they are advised to turn left to Ayala Boulevard, right to Taft Avenue and take Quezon or Jones Bridge to their destination and vice versa.

All motorists coming from Roxas Boulevard or Taft Avenue should take Quezon or Jones Bridge towards Quezon Boulevard to their destination and vice versa.

For southbound traffic, motorists may take the route via Otis or President Quirino Avenue; motor- ists coming from Magsaysay Boulevard may take Legarda and Lacson Avenues, take Nagtahan/ Mabini Bridge Bridge, right at M. Guazon St. (Otis), straight to UN Avenue to their destination and vice versa.

From Magsaysay Blvd., Legarda St. and Lascon Avenue, motorists can navigate through Nagtahan/ Mabini Bridge and straight to President Quirino and vice versa.

Motorists going southbound coming from P. Casal Street, may turn right at Carlos Palanca Road towards Mc Arthur Bridge to their destination. ( Anna Liza VillasAlavaren)