The Binondo-Intramuros Bridge in the City of Manila, one of the flagship projects under the ‘Build Build Build’ program of the government, will soon be passable to motorists.
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Roger G. Mercado said the bridge is now at 92 percent of its completion based on the report of the DPWH-Unified Project Management Office (UPMO).
DPWH Undersecretary for UPMO Operations Emil K. Sadain said that works at the Binondo-Intramuros Bridge Project are progressing well, and that the opening set this year on Holy Week is on track.
“At 92 percent, we are rushing to finish the soon to be one of newest landmarks in Manila with its iconic basket-handle tied steel arch,” said Sadain.
Sadain, also the Chief Implementer of flagship infrastructure projects of ‘Build Build Build’ program, conducted an inspection on the Binondo-Intramuros Bride last Thursday, Feb. 10 with Project Director Benjamin A. Bautista and Project Manager Melchor Kabiling of DPWH UPMO Roads Management Cluster 1.
During his visit, Sadain mentioned the importance of completing the up and down ramps at Binondo and Intramuros.
The ramps at Binondo side are located at Muelle dela Industria Street for up-ramp and at Rentas Street and Plaza del Conde Street for down-ramp.
Still on-going are the construction of ramps at Intramuros side with up-ramp at Riverside Drive and down-ramp at Solana Street.
Sadain likewise reminded the contractor, China Road and Bridge Corporation, of the project’s target opening.
“By March, the contractor will begin the final retouching of the steel arch bridge and asphalt will be laid on the concrete slab so we are hoping for continued good weather,“ said Sadain.
Similar to the steel arch main bridge, the girders of the ramps are made of fabricated steel members done internationally in Shanghai delivered in the Philippines despite delayed shipments because of the pandemic.
The ₱3.39 billion project is financed by a government aid grant from the People’s Republic of China.
Under similar grant, DPWH UPMO has completed in 2021 the new Estrella-Pantaleon Bridge included in the Metro Manila Logistics Network connecting the cities of Mandaluyong and Makati.