Glow of lights, thermoplastic pavement markings, and painted steel arch main bridge and metal railings are gleaming over at night on the iconic Binondo-Intramuros Bridge Project of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
DPWH Undersecretary and Build Build Build Chief Implementer Emil K. Sadain reported to Secretary Roger G. Mercado that the new bridge connecting Manila’s district of Binondo and Intramuros over Pasig River is ready for opening anytime between April 5 to 9.
Construction crews will continue to work this week on the bridge for the final finishing touches on the carriageway, ramps, and other components but it could open to traffic sooner before the 2022 Holy Week begins on April 10, said Undersecretary Sadain.
When opened to traffic, DPWH expects around 30,000 vehicles daily to use the new two-way four-lane Binondo-Intramuros Bridge with a sidewalk for pedestrians and joggers separated by safety railings and marked lane for bikers to encourage use of non-motorized mode of transport.
The giant piece of engineering marvel will be the new fascinating icon that is expected to attract tourists.
With construction workers on day and night shifts rushing to complete the project, the DPWH Undersecretary for Unified Project Management Office (UPMO) Operations conducted on the spot checking of activities over the weekend with Project Director Benjamin A. Bautista and Project Manager Melchor Kabiling.
The basket handle-tied design of steel arch main bridge is touted to be the new symbol of time-honored friendship between the Government of the Philippines and the People’s Republic of China.
Binondo Intramuros Bridge together with the Estrella Pantaleon Bridge which was completed in 2021, are two (2) flagship infrastructure projects funded by a grant from China in support of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte administration’s Build Build Build Program.
These bridges are part of Metro Manila Logistics Network Program to reduce the congestion on major highways in the metropolis by constructing new bridges across Pasig and Marikina Rivers and the Manggahan Floodway in order to achieve seamless travel and connectivity of Filipinos.
The instruction given to contractor China Road and Bridge Corporation was to finish the most important activities and prepare for possible project inauguration by no less than President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, added Undersecretary Sadain.
In Binondo, among the things left to be done is the access ramp at Plaza del Conde Street to San Fernando Street but an access ramp is already available at Rentas Street to Juan Luna Street.