The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) reopened on December 4 the Otis Bridge along P.M. Guazon Street, Paco, Manila.
The Otis Bridge Reconstruction Project cost P33.58 million. The 50-year-old Otis Bridge was reconstructed following its partial collapse in June 2018. The project was slated for completion in February 2019 but DPWH Secretary Mark Villar ordered its faster implementation; thus, the pre-Christmas opening.
“We are glad that we were able to finish the replacement of Otis Bridge within five months and ahead of schedule. This will be another Christmas gift to our motorists, specifically in this area of Manila,” Villar said during the reopening ceremony for the bridge.
“The newly reconstructed Otis Bridge has been widened from four lanes to six lanes. Its maximum allowable weight was also increased from 15 tons to 20 tons to accommodate more motorists in the area,” he added.
With its completion, the 23-linear-meter Otis Bridge with a 172-linear-meter approach road on both sides will ease traffic congestion on Osmeña Highway, Quirino Avenue, and United Nations Avenue. It will also serve as a link for vehicles traversing South Manila to North Manila as well as the cities of Quezon, Caloocan, and Mandaluyong.
