Mayor Khymer Olaso has approved the request for the temporary closure of the San Jose Gusu bridge to pave way for its widening under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 2024 Regular Infrastructure Program Project undertaken by the Frey-fil Corporation.

The temporary closure takes effect Saturday, August 16, 2025 from 10pm to 5am.

Under the temporary scheme, the Johnston or Tabuk Road in San Jose Gusu and Baliwasan Grande will be open to light vehicles while Baliwasan Chico and Taupan Road in Suterville will be open to large vehicles.

An executive order will be issued to this effect, to ensure the unhampered implementation of the bridge widening project.

Mayor Olaso together with City Administrator Percival Ramos and Chief of Staff and Secretary to the Mayor, Celso Lobregat convened a meeting of concerned agencies and barangays Wednesday afternoon, August 13 at the City Hall conference room to discuss the contractor’s request for the temporary road closure of affected areas in connection with the project.

Mayor Olaso has asked the contractor and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH-9) to expedite the implementation of the project so that the traffic scheme can be lifted the earliest possible time.

The contractor has promised to complete the project on or before the end of December 2025.

Present during the meeting were representatives from DPWH, Frey-fil Coporation, City Traffic Enforcement Unit, Zamboanga City Police Office, City Legal office, City Engineer’s Office, barangay chairpersons from Calarian, Baliwasan, San Jose Gusu, San Roque, and Campo Islam, among others. (CMO-PIO) (photo credits: April Araneta-Adriano)