MMDA announces temporary closure of Tomas Claudio bridge

July 31, 2019

Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) general manager Jojo Garcia on Wednesday announced the temporary closure of Tomas Claudio bridge for the construction of Skyway Stage 3. 

In a press conference, Garcia said the bridge connecting Quirino Avenue and Sta. Mesa will not be passable to motorists for six months. starting August 3.

"Starting Saturday, August 3, by 10 pm the Tomas Claudio bridge will be closed down to give way for the construction of Skyway connector," he explained. 

Garcia said motorists are advised to take a reroute through the intersections below the closed bridge. 

In line with the construction of the Skyway project, Garcia also ordered road clearing operations on Thursday near affected areas. 

"No parking will be allowed in the vicinity of the bridge 24/7. Traffic enforcers shall tow vehicles that are parked there,” said Garcia.

"You need to clear all of it. There are obstructions there, vehicles and structures. Remove all of it starting tomorrow morning," he added. 

"You need to clear all of it. There are obstructions there, vehicles and structures. Remove all of it starting tomorrow morning," he said. 

Garcia said passengers of about 12,000 vehicles and nearby residents will be probably affected by the clearing operations for the closure of the bridge. 

Philippine Global Road Safety Partnership Secretary General Alberto Suansing said the project is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2020. 

"We also expect that once the project is finished, the traffic will be improved," he added. Cristina Eloisa Baclig/DMS