A sinkhole near the Villamor Air Base caused the partial closure – and subsequently monstrous traffic jams – on Sales Road in Pasay City.
Personnel of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority are busy checking the water-filled hole if it has affected the integrity of columns of Skyway, which passes directly overhead, according to a report by Rappler.
As of Monday morning, April 15, both lanes of the east-bound side of Sales Road near Villamor Air Base Gate 3 remained cordoned off, with counterflow measures in place.
The portion of Sales Road near the military base is among the at-grade routes to and from NAIA Terminal 3, the report added.
Photos of the damage, which was discovered only on Sunday, April 14, show a hole several meters wide.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said that the extent of the damage has yet to be determined.
MMDA head Don Artes said that a team from the Department of Works and Highways, water provider Maynilad, and San Miguel’s nearby Skyway are still looking for the source of the water leak that caused the hole to form before the road could be fully repaired.
The San Miguel-led consortium tasked to rehabilitate what's been dubbed one of the world's worst airports is building a new passenger terminal in the old Philippine Village Hotel complex.
“Hindi po natin alam ‘yung extent pa ng damage doon sa nasabing kalsada, at hinahanap pa ‘yung source ng tubig para ma-plug ‘yung leak bago ito matabunan, masementohan, at madaanan ng ating mga kababayan,” Artes was quoted by Rappler.
Skyway personnel are also inspecting the area for possible damage since the elevated expressway passes directly overhead and has several columns along the road.
“Marami pong poste ng Skyway ang nandiyan, so kailangan din pong tignan kung naaapektuhan ‘yung integrity ng mga poste po ng Skyway,” Artes said.
The MMDA said the Skyway is still safe for use by motorists.
#WeTakeAStand #OpinYon #MMDA #RoadClosure