The Lagusnilad vehicular underpass is said to be the first in the Philippines and in Asia. The underpass was built in the 1960s as a replacement to the at-grade road intersection of Taft and Padre Burgos Avenues near the
Manila City Hall. It was named as "Lagusnilad" by the city government of Manila during the tenure of Mayor
Antonio Villegas. The vehicular underpass was prone to flooding from around the 1980s to the early 2010s due to high level of rainfall during the
monsoon season. Water flowing from the
Intramuros Golf Course also contributes to the flooding. By 2014, this problem was remedied by the installation of new pumping system and cleaning of the underpass' drainage in 2014 during the administration of then-Mayor
Joseph Estrada. Prior to the 2020s, the pedestrian underpass is reputed for its high incidence of crime as well as vendors doing business in stalls in its walkway including a thrift bookstore. The walkway was decorated by tiles and white-painted walls. The renovated pedestrian underpass was inaugurated on August 24, 2020 where a mural depicting significant figures and events throughout the history of Manila was unveiled. The mural also featured frontliners and civil servants as a tribute to their efforts during the
COVID-19 pandemic. As part of the redesign, many features were implemented to address previous common complaints about the pedestrian underpass. In 2023, the vehicular underpass underwent rehabilitation initiated by the city government, starting with a partial closure on May 2, followed by a complete closure on June 13. It reopened to the public on November 28, 2023, with new lighting installed on both sides and solar studs on the flooring. == Features ==