A key bridge linking the cities of Mandaluyong and Manila has just been opened. The reopened Sevilla bridge, closed since March 2020, is hoped to ease traffic between the two cities.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) recently reopened the bridge which connects Shaw Boulevard in Mandaluyong City to P. Sanchez Street in Santa Mesa, Manila.
The 4-lane bridge was partially opened to motorists last June 26, 2020. At the time, it was only accessible to motorists bound for Shaw Boulevard. Work on the other lane bound for P. Sanchez Street was finished a week after. Originally, the bridge had to be closed to give way for the construction of the Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 project.
The rebuilding of the bridge was done in partnership with San Miguel Corporation (SMC). It involved the building of a 56.75 linear meter span with a total width of 19.40 meters. It also saw the construction of a 7.65-meter carriageway, 1.5-meter sidewalk, and a 1.1-meter center island.
“Now that the new Sevilla Bridge is open to the traveling public, it should help decongest traffic in Metro Manila and benefit the daily motorists,” said DPWH secretary, Mark Villar.
Besides reconstructing the bridge itself, Villar said they also ensured that the flow of water along the San Juan River where the bridge stands was smooth. The agency took it upon itself to clear that portion of debris to result in better flood mitigation during the rainy season.
With the Sevilla Bridge now fully opened, there’s now a new alternate route.
