Officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said Saturday that they are still hopeful that the clearance from the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will be issued so that they can start the repair of the Osmeña Bridge along the South Superhighway in Manila.

DPWH Undersecretary Romeo Momo, who is in charge of Luzon operations, said the long overdue reconstruction of the bridge, which was built 30 years ago, has been hampered by lack of alternate route for motorists.

“Our request had been repeatedly turned down by MMDA (during the time of former Chairman Bayani Fernando) because of the heavy traffic that it will cause. But we are hoping that it will act this time favorably (on our request),” Momo said.

The DPWH has resent a letter signed by Public Works Acting Secretary Victor Domingo to the MMDA but it was not clear yet whether they were permitted to go on with the infrastructure’s retrofitting.

MMDA Chairman Oscar Inocentes was not immediately available for comment.

“Once MMDA allowed our repair works, it’s up to them how they will implement the traffic rerouting in the area. They have no choice but to close the north bound lanes of the bridge while its south bound lanes will be partially opened,” Momo explained.

Since it has been in worse shape, the DPWH will replace the structure’s weak slabs, drive additional piles, and reinforce its columns not only to ensure public safety but also to minimize damage in case of natural disasters.

He said the bridge’s reconstruction under an existing contract could start sometime in February and it could cost them P25 million or more which would come from the department’s regular budget.

“It’s really hard for our motorists to bear the heavy traffic that its repair works could cause so we are asking for their cooperation and patience since this consolidated effort is for their own good,” the official said.

The 30-meter long Osmeña Bridge was among the five infrastructure programs that the DPWH re-inspected on Wednesday as part of the government’s disaster preparedness program.

Based on its ocular inspection, the structure was deemed “unsafe” by DPWH because the bridge is shaking once heavy vehicles pass by.

DPWH findings showed that it could also collapse anytime unless it undergoes immediate retrofitting.