SAN PEDRO CITY, Laguna — Motorists in San Pedro City, Laguna—and neighboring Muntinlupa City—are being advised to prepare for heavy traffic beginning February, as a major rehabilitation project is set to disrupt a key transport artery connecting the two areas. The bridge spanning the National Highway at the boundary of San Pedro and Muntinlupa, commonly known as the Tunasan–San Pedro Bridge, will undergo major repair works starting February 1 (Sunday).

In separate announcements released on Tuesday, January 13, the city governments of San Pedro and Muntinlupa confirmed that the project will be implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways–National Capital Region (DPWH-NCR), under the initiative of Muntinlupa City Representative Jaime Fresnedi. The rehabilitation aims to address structural concerns on the aging bridge, which serves as a vital link for daily commuters, public transport, and cargo vehicles moving between Laguna and Metro Manila.

During the construction period, a “stop-and-go” traffic scheme will be enforced along the bridge, with only light vehicles allowed to pass toward Muntinlupa. Buses, trucks, and other six-wheeler vehicles will be rerouted through designated alternate routes, including the SLEX San Pedro northbound exit via Magsaysay Road. Authorities have also announced the temporary closure of the u-turn slot at the foot of the Magsaysay Road Bridge, adding another layer of adjustment for motorists.

While the project is necessary, its impact is expected to be significant. The bridge sits near the busy Magsaysay Road–Mabini Street intersection, a crucial junction for access to San Pedro’s industrial complexes and city proper. Beyond traffic concerns, the area also holds historical value, featuring boundary markers that predate Muntinlupa’s annexation to the National Capital Region in 1975.

This rehabilitation once again exposes the tension between infrastructure maintenance and urban mobility. While safety and long-term improvements are essential, short-term disruptions often fall heavily on commuters and workers who have limited transport alternatives. As traffic builds and patience wears thin, the question remains: are our cities equipped with enough foresight and alternatives to manage progress without paralyzing daily life? (Larawan mula sa: Wikimedia Commons / Google)