Marikina bridge undergoing repairs for cracks

The Marikina bridge is currently undergoing repairs after cracks were found that made the structure unsafe for passersby and motorists, Cedric Castillo reported on "24 Oras."

The damage was noticed during the continuous rains last week. The cracks stretched several meters along the edge of the decades-old infrastructure.

“Syempre nangamba ako kasi kapag dumaan na jeep na may mga pasahero, nakakapangamba kasi baka madali,” said a motorist.

“Talagang delikado 'yan kaya kailangan diyan maayos kaggad,” said another.

The sidewalk part of the ramp of the Marikina Bridge going to Quezon City has been cordoned off.

City officials have communicated to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for the repairs.

"We are demanding for the immediate rectification of the structural damage on the Marikina bridge. We are duty-bound to act on the welfare of the inhabitants of the city, we are expecting the immediate action of the DPWH," Marikina Mayor Marcelino Teodoro said.

"Otherwise, we will be constrained to file necessary legal actions, civil, criminal, and/or administrative if this matter will not be addressed promptly and accordingly," he added.

The DPWH National Capital Region office has deployed personnel for the bridge repair.

In a statement, DPWH-NCR said it immediately dispatched an emergency inspectorate team to conduct a geotechnical investigation.

The agency has also installed traffic safety devices and patched the collapsed part of the ramp.

DPWH advised motorists to drive slowly through the area or find another route to their destination.—Sherylin Untalan/LDF, GMA Integrated News