The impending 17-month closure of Guadalupe Bridge is expected to significantly worsen traffic congestion along EDSA, but it may also spark increased demand for residential rentals in key business districts like Makati and Taguig, according to Leechiu Property Consultants (LPC).
“People need to start planning now. The closure will dramatically increase travel times for commuters from the north heading to BGC, Makati, the Bay Area, or the airport,” said LPC CEO David Leechiu. “And let’s be honest — this will likely take longer than 17 months.”
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is set to close the 1960s-era bridge in October, once a temporary structure is completed. Originally widened in the 1970s, the Guadalupe Bridge has long been overdue for rehabilitation. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) previously identified structural cracks and its location near the West Valley Fault as critical safety concerns.
Leechiu emphasized that companies may need to shift toward more flexible work setups and adjust working hours as congestion intensifies. “Expect a surge in demand for condominium and dormitory rentals across all price points,” he noted, pointing to currently favorable rental rates in Makati and Taguig.
The bridge’s upgrade — which includes structural and seismic retrofitting — is part of the ₱7.8-billion Metro Manila Priority Bridges Seismic Improvement Project, primarily funded by a loan from JICA.
Source: Bilyonaryo.com
