Thursday, April 19, 2007 TMC studying dynamics of bridge traffic jams By Joy Romares-Sevilla
THE Traffic Management Center (TMC) is continuously studying the dynamics brought about by the collapse of a main pier of the Generoso Bridge I in Bankerohan and designing traffic routes according to these observations.
Gempesaw, who was one of the guests at the Club 888 press forum Wednesday, said the bridge is one of the major thoroughfares in the city and it has a big effect to the production and distribution of goods and services in the city.
"We studied how to solve this problem and after less than 14 hours of inspection, we decided to open a passage right after the bridge so that vehicles going to the south can use the other lane," Gempesaw said adding that TMC is really serious in giving the least inconvenience, if not convenience, to the public because of the re-construction of the bridge.
The new passage was already used by motorists Tuesday afternoon.
Gempesaw further said a study is on-going as school opening looms ahead.
"Maybe we can come up with a bulletin to inform the public of the plans of TMC," he said.
Gempesaw said according to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the reason why the bridge collapsed Thursday last week is due to the scouring of the bridge's foundation.
"The bridge was built sometime in 1957, it is 50 years already and it had undergone repairs for three times," he said.
He added that it will take more or less ten months before the bridge will be re-constructed by the DPWH.
"Pero depende rin yan sa contractor. DPWH said that before this coming month ends, they can probably fully demolish the bridge so they can start with the re-construction," Gempesaw said.
