Marikina blames DPWH contractor for causing cracks on Marikina Bridge

It seems a project by the Department of Public Works & Highways (DPWH) that was aimed at mitigating floods in an area in Marikina has caused an important bridge to form cracks, possibly affecting its structural integrity.

Recently, Marikina Mayor Marcy Teodoro called out the DPWH to conduct an urgent repair and rectification of the damage caused by the agency's contractor. According to the city government, cracks started to form along the Marikina Bridge when the contractor began putting steel pipes underneath the Sto. Nino side of the bridge last January 6, 2023, amid a downpour.

The city government added that they were not informed of the cracks forming and that they were only informed by a citizen who reported the incident. This resulted in Mayor Teodoro along with several officials visiting the said bridge in order to see the damage themselves.

In a statement, Mayor Teodoro asked the DPWH to immediately rectify the structural damage on the Marikina Bridge that was caused by the contractor working on the Sumulong Flood Interceptor.

“We are strongly demanding your office (DPWH) to conduct an urgent repair and rectification on the damage caused by the DPWH Contractor in the Marikina Bridge in the soonest possible time. Considering that we are duty-bound to act on the welfare of the inhabitants of the City of Marikina, we are expecting the immediate action of the DPWH, 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,” declared Teodoro.

As of now, the bridge is still open to motorists, both bound for Marikina and Quezon City. However, the city government has cordoned off the portion of the bridge where the cracks started to form. They have also put temporary fixes on the cracks in order to minimize the chances of new cracks or damages forming.

With the bridge serving as an important link connecting Marikina and Quezon City, we're hoping the DPWH conducts swift action in order to repair the said damages.