Recently, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has announced that the Binondo-Intramuros bridge is soon to be opened. Specifically, it will be usable by the public by next month (April 2022).
The Binondo-Intramuros bridge at night
Currently, the DPWH is finishing up the remaining work on the bridge. It has even ramped up its night operations in order to match its construction during the daytime.
Also, DPWH Undersecretary for Unified Project Management Office Operations (UPMO) Emil K. Sadain had reported that the bridge’s ramps and main bridge deck were already being coated with asphalt. Once this is complete, pace of the work on the bridge will further ramp up. Pavement markings will then follow.
For those unaware, the new Binondo-Intramuros bridge is one of the current flagship projects of DPWH. It spans a total of 680 linear meters, and it connects Intramuros via Solana Street to Binondo via San Fernando Street.
The project in question is a two-way bridge consisting of four lanes. It also features a steel bowstring arch design that towers above its main deck. That said, the DPWH says that this will become a notable landmark in Manila. It is also a notable engineering accomplishment.
The view of the bridge from one of its lanes
Once opened, the said bridge will be able to handle about 30,000 vehicles daily. This will also further ease the travel times between Intramuros and Binondo, and will consequently provide relief to other busy roads in adjacent areas.
Beyond that, this new bridge also has pathways intended for pedestrians, joggers, and cyclists. Its location over the Pasig River might also mean that it will attract tourists as a scenic spot.
In total, the project costs around Php 3.39 billion. This was financed by a grant from the People’s Republic of China. Moreover, many of the construction works were handled by the China Road and Bridge Corporation as a contractor.
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