A portion of Roxas Boulevard near the Libertad Pumping Station in Pasay City is being eyed for closure while the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) fix a nearby old drainage structure.

In an inspection along Roxas Blvd. on Wednesday, MMDA Chair Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. said the repair of the drainage structure—a box culvert owned and maintained by the DPWH—would require “immediate closure” of the southbound portion of Roxas Boulevard.

“Heavy vehicles and trucks traversing the major thoroughfare have contributed to the damage of the drainage culvert over time. There is a danger that the drainage structure, constructed in the 1970s, would collapse, so rehabilitation must be done immediately,” Abalos said.

He gave no specific date on the planned closure, noting that the repairs would require the closure of the entire southbound portion of Roxas Boulevard for two to three months.

Once closed, he said motorists, including truck drivers, would need to take a detour and use alternate routes for the duration of the rehabilitation.

“This early, we are appealing for the public’s understanding for the inconvenience the possible road closure would cause,” Abalos said.

He noted that at least 53,000 vehicles, including trucks, traverse the Roxas Boulevard southbound direction alone.

Initial repairs in the area, he said, are already being done by the DPWH South Manila Engineering Office, with the replacement of the drainage main box culvert expected to happen once the portion of Roxas Boulevard is closed to traffic.

“The DPWH said they have to rehabilitate the drainage structure and close the entire southbound but give us three days to make a careful study of the impact of the possible road closure and make recommendations on how to divert the vehicles,” Abalos said.

Once fixed, he said the drainage system leading to the Libertad Pumping Station would be more “efficient” and prevent flooding in surrounding areas. (PNA)