Closed bridge The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is advising motorists to take alternate routes as the Otis Bridge in Paco, Manila was closed after a portion of the structure collapsed (above). Residents, commuters and employees affected near the area walk across the bridge (left) yesterday. PNA Motorists heading for Otis Bridge in Paco, Manila are advised to find alternative route as the decades-old bridge is already closed to traffic either for repair or total replacement.

Engr. Mike Makud of the Department of Public Works and Highways-National Capital Region, said the bridge was closed at dawn on Tuesday upon the recommendation of the Manila Disaster Risk Management Office.

Now, the DPWH is mulling a total replacement for the 50-year old bridge, especially since its middle portion has already collapsed and that repair is no longer viable.

Makud said that repairing the bridge will take about 18 months, although that can be reduced significantly to just nine months if the area will be closed totally to traffic.

The budget for the repair of the bridge amounting to P37 million had already been available as early as 2016, but the repair was postponed because of the huge volume of vehicles passing through it from UN Avenue and from President Quirino Avenue on the opposite side.

The cracks discovered by structural engineers in the middle portion may have been due to old age, said Makud.

Meanwhile, the Manila Police District immediately announced the alternative/re-routing plan while Otis is being repaired or replaced.

MPD spokeperson Supt. Erwin Margarejo said that motorists passing Nagtahan/Mabini bridge (southbound) may take Paz Guanzon St. to avoid UN Ave. and Pres. Quirino Ave.

Motorists coming from Eastbound of UN Ave, going to Paz Guanzon St. may turn right going to President Quirino Avenue on to Plaza Dilao.