MANILA -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on Tuesday said the construction of the Binondo-Intramuros in Manila and Estrella-Pantaleon Bridge, which traverses the cities of Makati and Mandaluyong, aims to improve the capacity and efficiency of the road transport in the National Capital Region (NCR) by providing additional fixed links and routes crossing the Pasig River.
DPWH Secretary Mark Villar made the remarks during the groundbreaking ceremony of the two infrastructure projects, which was spearheaded by President Rodrigo Duterte and Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua.
"The completion of these two bridges will create a positive impact in terms of alleviating traffic congestion, the beautification of Pasig River, tourism, mobility of goods and services," Villar said.
“The two bridges are part of the Metro Manila Logistics Improvement Network, which intends to construct 12 bridges crossing Pasig River, Marikina River and Manggahan Floodway,” Villar said.
He added that the bridges will enhance the resiliency of Metro Manila's road network against natural disasters such as floods and earthquakes.
Villar noted that the bridge to be constructed in Manila worth PHP4.243 billion, will extend the life of existing bridges around the city by decongesting them from heavy traffic. This will reduce bridge maintenance and cost requirements.
The Binondo-Intramuros Bridge is a two-way, four lane bridge wherein its main span is a 90-meter steel box tied-arch bridge. It has a total road length of 734 meters and is envisioned to provide Binondo District a new link to the “Walled City” of Intramuros and vice versa.
On the other hand, the PHP1.229 billion Estrella-Pantaleon Bridge is a reconstructed bridge with a total road length of 506.46 meters.
The projects, which are part of the Duterte Administration’s “Build, Build, Build” Program, are set for completion in 2020.
“Given the impact of these two bridges, the DPWH will do everything to fast-track their completion. Expect these bridges to be operational by 2020,” Villar added.
For his part, Zhao noted that the construction of the bridges will realize the plan to upgrade the urban connectivity of Metro Manila.
“Today, we are proudly gathering here to unveil our great plans to upgrade the urban connectivity of Metro Manila. Moreover, the beautifully designed bridges would also definitely help present a better landscape along the Pasig River, which, in turn, will attract more tourists visiting Manila,” he said in his speech.
The designs of the bridges were prepared by the CCCC Highway Consultants Co., Ltd. while the China Road and Bridge Corporation will be in charge of the implementation of civil works under a grant agreement between Manila and Beijing. (PNA)
