40-year-old bridge in Marikina reopens after P213.5-M repair

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) announced the opening of the eastbound and westbound lanes of Marcos Bridge in Marikina City on Thursday.

According to the DPWH, the P213.5-million project, implemented by its NCR Regional Office, is now fully accessible to vehicles plying Quezon City to Marikina and also to those going to Antipolo City.

It is seen to ease road congestion in parts of Metro Manila.

Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar said the opening came ahead of the original deadline of April 2020.

“After almost five months of repair, motorists can now utilize both the eastbound and westbound portions of
the newly strengthened Marcos Bridge,” Villar said in a statement.

Built in 1979, the 40-year old bridge sits at the boundary of Marikina and Pasig City and is part of the Marikina Infanta Highway.

“Prior to the rehabilitation of the deck slab, strengthening of the girders were made using additional tendons and installation of carbon fiber, which was completed March this year,” Villar said.

Included in the repair of the bridge were the redecking of slabs, center island, replacement of expansion joints, concrete sidewalks, railings, installation of drain pipes and 50 millimeter of asphalt overlay.

The bridge’s westbound lanes were closed to traffic in August due to the rehabilitation project. The eastbound lanes were closed starting May 25 this year.