MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) reopened the southbound lane of the Kamuning flyover in Quezon City on Thursday, ahead of schedule, after a three-month retrofitting.

MMDA Acting Chairman Don Artes attributed the early completion of the flyover's retrofitting, aimed at ensuring the safety of motorists and the general public, to the cooperation and close coordination of the concerned agencies.

"The DPWH was able to finish the flyover's retrofitting works two months ahead of schedule intended to strengthen and prepare it for potential earthquakes, or the 'Big One,'" said Artes. The flyover's retrofitting work started in May, and its initial target completion was October.

REOPENED The southbound lane of the Kamuning Flyover in Quezon City reopened on Aug. 15, 2024, earlier than the October deadline. The flyover underwent major repair work to strengthen the structure, especially in anticipation of the 'big one.' PHOTO BY ISMAEL DE JUAN REOPENED Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Don Artes and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials reopen the southbound lane of the Kamuning Flyover in Quezon City on Aug. 15, 2024, ahead of the expected October deadline. This comes after undergoing major repair work to strengthen the flyover against strong earthquakes. PHOTOS BY ISMAEL DE JUAN REOPENED Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Don Artes and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials reopen the southbound lane of the Kamuning Flyover in Quezon City on Aug. 15, 2024, ahead of the expected October deadline. This comes after undergoing major repair work to strengthen the flyover against strong earthquakes. PHOTOS BY ISMAEL DE JUAN REOPENED Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Don Artes and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials reopen the southbound lane of the Kamuning Flyover in Quezon City on Aug. 15, 2024, ahead of the expected October deadline. This comes after undergoing major repair work to strengthen the flyover against strong earthquakes. PHOTOS BY ISMAEL DE JUAN REOPENED Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Don Artes and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials reopen the southbound lane of the Kamuning Flyover in Quezon City on Aug. 15, 2024, ahead of the expected October deadline. This comes after undergoing major repair work to strengthen the flyover against strong earthquakes. PHOTOS BY ISMAEL DE JUAN REOPENED Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Don Artes and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials reopen the southbound lane of the Kamuning Flyover in Quezon City on Aug. 15, 2024, ahead of the expected October deadline. This comes after undergoing major repair work to strengthen the flyover against strong earthquakes. PHOTOS BY ISMAEL DE JUAN REOPENED Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Don Artes and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials reopen the southbound lane of the Kamuning Flyover in Quezon City on Aug. 15, 2024, ahead of the expected October deadline. This comes after undergoing major repair work to strengthen the flyover against strong earthquakes. PHOTOS BY ISMAEL DE JUAN REOPENED Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Don Artes and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials reopen the southbound lane of the Kamuning Flyover in Quezon City on Aug. 15, 2024, ahead of the expected October deadline. This comes after undergoing major repair work to strengthen the flyover against strong earthquakes. PHOTOS BY ISMAEL DE JUAN REOPENED Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Don Artes and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials reopen the southbound lane of the Kamuning Flyover in Quezon City on Aug. 15, 2024, ahead of the expected October deadline. This comes after undergoing major repair work to strengthen the flyover against strong earthquakes. PHOTOS BY ISMAEL DE JUAN

While the DPWH was able to finish the repair of flyover, DPWH National Capital Region (NCR) Regional Director Loreta Malaluan said continuing work was concentrated under the flyover.

Data from the MMDA Traffic Engineering Center showed that 24,000 four-wheeled vehicles and 23,000 motorcycles traverse the southbound lanes of the flyover daily.

Meanwhile, Artes said coordination with other agencies was ongoing for the other bridges in Metro Manila which were set for reinforcement, like the Guadalupe Bridge and the Magallanes flyover in Makati City.

"Rehabilitation works are ongoing on the Magallanes flyover but only during the night, and no closures have been implemented so as to minimize inconvenience to vehicular traffic," said Artes.

Artes said the Guadalupe Bridge's repair was still in the planning stages as a temporary bridge must be constructed to accommodate passing vehicles.