The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) formally opened a new linear park and pedestrian stairs at the iconic Binondo-Intramuros Bridge in Manila on Friday, Jan. 20.
DPWH Sec. Manuel Bonoan led the opening of the facilities and structures which he said would offer a new attraction for residents, bikers, and park-goers in Manila. He was accompanied by Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian, representatives from the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry; project contractors from China Road and Bridge Corporation and CCCC Highway Consultants; and other officials from DPWH.
DPWH Undersecretary Emil Sadain stated that the opening of the pedestrian stairs built on three locations will improve accessibility going to and from the bridge while the provision of the linear park complete with benches and pavers will serve as a place for leisure, meetings and recreational activities.
“The pedestrian-friendly facilities creates (sic) a safe space and a more accessible route for everyone, whilst providing a platform for alternative means of transport,’’ the DPWH said.
The newly-completed linear park and pedestrian stairs were undertaken by the DPWH Unified Project Management Office (UPMO)-Roads Management Cluster I (Bilateral) under Project Director Benjamin A. Bautista. Along with the Estrella-Pantaleon Bridge in Makati, the structure is the first UPMO-implemented infrastructure project in partnership with the Government of the Republic of China.
The Binondo-Intramuros Bridge connects San Fernando Street in Binondo and Muella de la Industria in Barangay San Nicolas, to Solana Street and Riverside Drive in Intramuros. It is part of the P3.6-billion infrastructure grant by China under the Agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation in 2017. The bridge spans 70 meters long and 21.65 meters wide, providing four lanes for improved traffic efficiency.