MMDA, DPWH blamed for Tullahan Bridge traffic woes

Despite claims by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) that it will come up with a viable detour plan for the Tullahan Bridge closure next week, affected commuters and motorists remained unconvinced that it would solve the traffic problem.

They blamed the uncoordinated efforts of the MMDA and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the two lead implementing agencies for the Tullahan Bridge reconstruction project, for the heavy traffic on suggested alternate routes.

Kent Avestruz, a Valenzuela City Hall employee, said with the closure of Tullahan Bridge in Valenzuela is virtually cut off from its neighbors because the DPWH closed last month another major bridge linking Valenzuela to Bulacan.

He said the bridge, which connects Valenzuela City to Barangay Banga in Meycauayan, Bulacan could be utilized as an alternate route toward the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) if the DPWH did not scheduled its recontruction almost simultaneously with that of Tullahan Bridge.

Another problem, according to Avestruz, is the ongoing 90-day construction of M.H. del Pilar street in Malabon City, another alternate route for the Tullahan Bridge closure. The construction started in mid-February.

Jerry Nazarea, MMDA-Camanava (Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela) traffic management officer, however, assured affected commuters and motorists of moderate traffic flow on detour roads.

"Since we closed Tullahan Bridge Friday morning for a dry run, traffic was moderately moving on all detour roads," he told The STAR.

Nazarea said the closure of Banga Bridge linking Valenzuela to Bulacan has even help decrease the volume of vehicles passing the Tullahan Bridge.

"Instead of using MacArthur Highway, due to the Banga Bridge closure, motorists opted to use the" Northern Luzon Expressway, he said.

He admitted that M.H. del Pilar in Malabon has a "slight problem, but traffic was moving."

Nazarea said that as far as the MMDA and the DPWH are concerned, the Tullahan Bridge construction will push through as scheduled.

On Monday, Valenzuela City Mayor Sherwin Gatchalian, Caloocan City Mayor Enrico Echiverri, and Malabon City Mayor Canuto Oreta will hold another meeting with officials from the MMDA, DPWH and other concerned groups to finalize the Tullahan Bridge detour scheme.