DPWH to repair 6 NCR bridges for ‘worst quake scenario’

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DPWH to repair 6 NCR bridges for ‘worst quake scenario’
The DPWH says it has already allocated more than P4 billion to repair the major bridges in Metro Manila

MANILA, Philippines – Six bridges in Metro Manila will be under repair to prepare them for possible destructive seismic movements in the future, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said Wednesday, May 20.

The following bridges are due for repairs to ensure structural integrity in case a 7.2 magnitude quake devastates the capital:

  • Ayala, Lambingan, MacArthur, and Quezon bridges in Manila
  • Guadalupe bridge in Makati
  • San Juan bridge 

The DPWH further explained that there are no public buildings along the 5-meter zone of active fault lines in the metro – a measurement recommended by the Philippine Institute for Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs). 

“Those critical are the bridges so we are repairing them. It’s hard to carry out rescue operations if these will be cut,” said Engineer Tiburcio Canlas, DPWH NCR assistant regional director. 

Canlas added that Ayala bridge is now being repaired for earthquake durability while Quezon and MacArthur bridges, also in Manila, are scheduled to undergo retrofitting. Ther repair of San Juan bridge is currently in the works. 

‘Metro in danger’

On Monday, May 18, government agencies launched the most detailed and updated map of two major faults within Greater Metro Manila in preparation for a possible 7.2-magnitude earthquake that may happen within our lifetime.

Cities and towns traversed by the 100-kilometer West Valley Fault may experience earthquakes of up to magnitude 7.2. Areas traversed by the shorter 10-kilometer East Valley Fault are due for, at most, a 6.2-magnitude earthquake.  (WATCH: Project MOVE: Preparing for earthquakes)

The West Valley fault line transects Quezon City, Marikina, Pasig, Makati, Taguig, and Muntinlupa and the adjoining provinces of Bulacan, Laguna, Rizal, and Cavite.

The DPWH said it has already allocated more than P4 billion to repair the major bridges. Canlas added that the new designs will make the bridges fit for seismic loading.

“These (bridges) can’t withstand the (stronger) earthquakes so we have to strengthen them….As far as I know, no repair work will be done for public buildings. We have no reports,” Canlas said. – Rappler.com

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