The newly rehabilitated Marcos Bridge in Marikina City is now fully-accessible to vehicles, which is expected to ease traffic congestion along Marcos Highway, the Department of Public Works and Highways said.
DPWH Secretary Mark Villar said that both the eastbound and westbound side of the newly strengthened 40-year-old Marcos Bridge will benefit motorists and commuters from the eastern Metropolitan areas as they can now traverse the bridge without having to worry about its structural integrity.
“As an integral access to Quezon City from the east of Rizal province, rehabilitation works on the bridge after its 40 years of service are necessary to ensure the safety and convenience of the public,” Secretary Villar said.
Due to the massive traffic congestion the construction caused, major repairs of the bridge were hastened.
“In August, the project have made the westbound lanes closed to traffic while the first phase, likewise, have made the eastbound lanes, closed to traffic last May 25,” he said.
“The rehabilitation was initially targeted to finish on April 2020 but considering the volume of motorists and commuters affected, the DPWH National Capital Region went 24/7 to finish the project as early as possible,” Villar said.
The secretary also added that the completion of the project is timely in the observance of the All Souls’ and Saints’ day where people are expected to flock cemeteries such as Loyola Memorial Park in Marikina City.
The P213.46-million project included redecking of 315-l.m. slab, strengthening of girders, and replacement of expansion joints, concrete sidewalks, railing and drain pipes.