The opening of the Estrella-Pantaleon Bridge that connects the cities of Mandaluyong and Makati has been slightly pushed back to the first week of August.
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Mark Villar announced during an inspection Monday, July 19 that the opening of the bridge--initially scheduled by the end of July--will be moved to next month.
"Almost 100 percent na itong bridge (The bridge is almost 100 percent complete)," Villar said as he took a test drive on the bridge.
"Ang target po namin is first week of August magagamit na ang Estrella-Pantaleon Bridge (Our target is by the first week of August, the bridge will finally be accessible)," he added.
A sidewalk with railings for pedestrians was also incorporated in the bridge's design.
"Meron ding pedestrian component ang bridge, may malawak na sidewalk. So sa mga pedestrian, puwede ninyong gamitin itong bridge (The bridge also has a pedestrian component, there is a wide sidewalk. So, pedestrians can also use the bridge)," Villar said.
The bridge will link Estrella Street in Makati to Barangka Drive in Mandaluyong. It is a P1.46-billion bridge project funded by a grant from the government of China.
It will replace the old temporary steel truss bridge connecting the two cities.