PNCC blamed for traffic snarls in Alabang area

Muntinlupa City Mayor Jaime Fresnedi ordered the Philippine National Construction Corp. to submit the final engineering study of the Alabang viaduct before the opening of classes this June.

Fresnedi indicated that the PNCC did not abide by its commitment to submit the results on April 7 or 20 days after it completed the engineering designs of the 20-year-old structure.

Concern was raised by the city government on the work of the PNCC as traffic is expected to worsen next month with the opening of classes. Since last year, the PNCC has banned trucks weighing 20 tons or more from the viaduct.

Fresnedi was infuriated by the gridlock caused by trucks forced to detour to Alabang proper. "This has exacerbated the traffic situation around the Alabang area," Fresnedi said.

He directed the PNCC to immediately allow trucks to use the viaduct if the study revealed that nothing was wrong with the structure.

PNCC assistant vice president Abraham Sales sent a letter to the city government last March 14 promising the completion of the study by April 7.

The study included the inspection of the structural integrity of the viaduct particularly its seismic design in cases of earthquakes.

Sales said that the firm will replace existing concrete box girders with lighter components like steel I-girders and reinforce existing columns and coping beams.

Fresnedi explained that the study of the structure is needed for the city to map out its traffic plans for the opening of classes this June.