(PNA file photo by Joey O. Razon)
CAPAS, Tarlac – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) assured the public Thursday that it will not start with the much-needed retrofitting of the Guadalupe Bridge without the establishment of extension lanes on EDSA to mitigate the expected traffic congestion.
During the Build Better More Infrastructure Forum in the New Clark City in this town, DPWH Undersecretary Maria Catalina E. Cabral said the design for the “seismic improvement” of the over 50-year-old Guadalupe Bridge was already done and procurement of the needed materials has also started.
She said they are now coordinating with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority to come up with the traffic management plan before the retrofitting starts in the bridge, which is situated along Metro Manila’s busiest thoroughfare.
“Hindi namin gagalawin ang EDSA hangga’t hindi namin naitatayo iyong expansion of both lanes para mayroong additional carrying capacity before we even touch the bridge in Guadalupe (We will not touch EDSA until we have established the expansion of both lanes so that the portion will have addtional carrying capacity before we even touch Guadalupe bridge),” the DPWH official said.
Cabral, an engineer by profession, emphasized the need for the seismic upgrade, noting that old bridges, like the one in Guadalupe connecting Mandaluyong and Makati cities, are among the most vulnerable to earthquakes.
“Bear with us because you do not want to be stuck in the Guadalupe bridge when an earthquake happens. (The) JICA study said that the West Valley Point is due anytime, to emit an energy equivalent to a magnitude 7 earthquake,” she said, referring to the Japan International Cooperation Agency.
She said the retrofitting works may start either in the last quarter this year or early next year. (PNA)
