6-Lane Otis Bridge Opened in Time for Christmas Rush

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has re-opened on Tuesday, December 4, 2018, the newly-reconstructed, strengthened and widened Otis Bridge along P.M. Guazon Street, Paco, Manila.

“We are glad that we were able to finish the replacement of Otis Bridge within five (5) months and ahead of schedule. This will be another Christmas gift to our motorists, specifically in this area of Manila,” said DPWH Secretary Mark A. Villar during the bridge’s reopening ceremony.

It can be recalled that 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 Secretary Villar ordered for its prompt implementation thus the pre-Christmas opening.

“The newly-reconstructed Otis Bridge has been widened from four (4) lanes to six (6) lanes. Its maximum allowable weight was also increased from 15 tons to 20 tons to accommodate more motorists in the area,” added Secretary Villar.

With its completion, the 23-linear meter Otis Bridge with 172-linear meter approach road on both side will ease traffic congestion in Osmeña Highway, Quirino Avenue, and United Nations Avenue. It will also serve as a link of vehicles traversing South Manila to North Manila as well as the cities of Quezon, Caloocan and Mandaluyong.

The Otis Bridge Reconstruction Project costing P33.58 million was implemented by DPWH South Manila District Engineering Office (SMDEO) and DPWH National Capital Region under the supervision of DPWH-NCR Director Melvin B. Navarro.

Also present during the opening of Otis Bridge were Manila 5th and 6th District Rep Amanda Christina Bagatsing and Rep Rosenda Ann Ocampo, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) General Manager Jose Arturo Garcia Jr., DPWH Undersecretary Roberto R. Bernardo, MMDA Assistant Secretary Celine Pialago and DPWH-SMDEO District Engineer Mikunug D. Macud.