After the delays caused by the late arrival of materials as well as the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is expecting to open the Binondo-Intramuros Bridge in April.
Binondo-Intramuros Bridge to open in April, DPWH says
The DPWH shared that the bridge is nearly finished, and it is now 90 percent complete. The agency added that it is targeting to open the Binondo-Intramuros Bridge to vehicular traffic by Holy Week this year.
DPWH Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain said that the 680 meters bridge project across the Pasig River is almost completed. Upon completion, the main bridge will have two lanes in each direction. It is expected to cut travel time between Binondo and Intramuros, and cater to about 30,000 vehicles daily. The bridge will also have a dedicated bike lane and pedestrian walkway.
Sadain reported that the construction of ramps on Binondo and Intramuros side are currently ongoing. The DPWH said that it is in the process of constructing access ramps made of prefabricated components.
It is expected to accommodate 30,000 vehicles daily
The up-ramp at the Binondo side is located at Muelle dela Industria Street, and down-ramps at Rentas Street and Plaza del Conde Street. On the other hand, construction of ramps at Intramuros side is ongoing with an up-ramp at Riverside Drive and down-ramp at Solana street.
The Php 3.39 billion Binondo-Intramuros Bridge is funded by China. It links Intramuros at Solana Street and Riverside Drive with the bustling district of Binondo at Rentas Street/Plaza del Conde Street and Muelle dela Industria.
The Binondo-Intramuros Bridge is one of the two China Aid Bridges Project. The other structure funded by China is the Estrella-Pantaleon bridge connecting the cities of Makati and Mandaluyong. It consists of four lanes that sit on top of a pre-stressed concrete frame, and the bridge can accommodate 50,000 vehicles daily.
Lawton Avenue
Aside from the Binondo-Intramuros Bridge, the DPWH also announced that the Lawton Avenue road widening project is set to be completed in the second quarter (Q2) of 2022. DPWH Secretary Roger G. Mercado said that the project is vital in “addressing traffic woes experienced by motorists.” It is also one of the main projects for Metro Manila designed to help decongest EDSA.
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