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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider Fire-hit Culiat Bridge closed pending safety clearance

Fire-hit Culiat Bridge closed pending safety clearance

Published Jul 13, 2026 11:38 am
Culiat Bridge along Congressional Avenue in Quezon City remains closed to motorists on Monday, July 13, after sustaining structural damage from a fourth-alarm fire that razed 46 houses beneath the bridge on Saturday night, July 11. (Santi San Juan/MANILABULLETIN)
Culiat Bridge along Congressional Avenue in Quezon City remains closed to motorists on Monday, July 13, after sustaining structural damage from a fourth-alarm fire that razed 46 houses beneath the bridge on Saturday night, July 11. (Santi San Juan/MANILABULLETIN)
The Quezon City government has closed the Culiat Bridge along Congressional Avenue to all vehicles after a fourth‑alarm fire damaged parts of the structure on Saturday night, July 11. An inspection is underway to ensure the bridge’s safety for public use.
Culiat Bridge along Congressional Avenue in Quezon City remains closed to motorists on Monday, July 13, after sustaining structural damage from a fourth-alarm fire that razed 46 houses beneath the bridge on Saturday night, July 11. (Santi San Juan/MANILABULLETIN)
Culiat Bridge along Congressional Avenue in Quezon City remains closed to motorists on Monday, July 13, after sustaining structural damage from a fourth-alarm fire that razed 46 houses beneath the bridge on Saturday night, July 11. (Santi San Juan/MANILABULLETIN)
The city government said the Quezon City Department of Engineering (QCDE), in coordination with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), is conducting a comprehensive structural inspection to determine the extent of the damage and identify the fastest and most effective repairs before the bridge can be reopened.
According to the city government, the intense heat from the fire caused portions of the bridge to lift, rendering it unsafe for all types of vehicles.
Immediately after the incident, the QCDE led clearing operations, removed fire debris, and conducted an initial structural assessment with the DPWH and the Department of Sanitation and Cleanup Works (DSQC). Steel barricades were also installed to restrict public access during inspection and repair work.
The bridge closure is expected to slow traffic along Congressional Avenue, prompting the city government to implement rerouting measures and advise motorists to allow additional travel time.
Motorists traveling toward EDSA from Congressional Avenue are advised to turn right onto Oblates Father Street, left onto Villa Socorro Street, left onto Seminary Road, and then proceed to EDSA.
Those heading toward Mindanao Avenue from EDSA may take Cagayan Street, turn left onto Corregidor Street leading to Ilocos Sur Street, and continue to Mindanao Avenue.
Meanwhile, light vehicles may pass through Cagayan Street, Ilocos Norte Street, Cotabato Street, Hereford Street, and return to Congressional Avenue, while motorists coming from Davao Street may use Cotabato Street before turning right onto Hereford Street toward Congressional Avenue.
Personnel from the Traffic and Transport Management Department (TTMD), Department of Public Order and Safety (DPOS), Task Force Disiplina, and the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) have been deployed to implement the rerouting scheme, manage traffic, and assist affected motorists.
Meanwhile, Mayor Joy Belmonte said the 38 families displaced by the fire beneath the bridge are temporarily staying at a city evacuation center, where they are receiving assistance from the Social Services Development Department and other city government offices, including psychosocial first aid.
Belmonte said the city government is working to relocate the affected families to permanent housing as recovery efforts continue.

Related Tags

METRONEWS Quezon City Culiat Bridge Congressional Avenue bridge closure fire damage 4th alarm fire structural inspection safety clearance DPWH QCDE traffic rerouting TTMD DPOS Task Force Disiplina QCPD Mayor Joy Belmonte evacuation center displaced families
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