MANILA, Philippines — The Metro Manila Skybridge Project of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has been approved by the Metro Manila Council (MMC).

Only the project’s environmental impact assessment needs to be accomplished.

At a recent MMC meeting, the Metro Manila mayors also approved a proposed resolution authorizing the agency to endorse the planned alternative bridge to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

The MMC is the policy-making body of the MMDA, composed of all mayors in the metropolis.

In a presentation, Tina Velasco, MMDA assistant general manager for planning, said the P6-billion Skybridge would be made up of a bridge built on top of estuaries, particularly along the San Juan River.

It is expected to reduce Metro Manila traffic by as much as 40 per- cent.

Valenzuela City Mayor Sherwin Gatchalian said the project would “greatly reduce right-of-way problems, especially compelling cost.”

However, Gatchalian also expressed his concern over the project since the bridge would be built on top of the estuaries and cover the San Juan River.

“We have to sustain the gap between development and environmental issues,” Gatchalian stressed.

Caloocan City Vice Mayor Edgar Erice urged the MMC members to do an environmental assessment of the project.

Velasco said a feasibility study on the project is the next step of the MMDA.