The modernized Estrella-Pantaleon Bridge was finally opened. Leading the inauguration ceremony was President Rodrigo Duterte along with several other officials. These include the Chinese Ambassador to the Philippine Huang Xilian, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Mark Villar, Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Benhur Abalos, and Mandaluyong City Mayor Carmelita Abalos.
At night, the new Estrella-Pantaleon bridge is very well lit
During the event, Secretary Villar mentioned that the new and improved Estrella-Pantaleon bridge is under the Metro Manila Logistics Improvement Network. With its 50,000-vehicle daily capacity, it can contribute to lessening the congestion of traffic on EDSA. All the while, it also allows for quick and easy travel from Makati City and Mandaluyong city, and vice versa.
Work on the Estrella-Pantaleon bridge was started back in 2019, and its actual construction works were spearheaded by the DPWH Unified Project Management Office (UPMO). The said office in turn is under the leadership of DPWH Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain.
Of note, the construction involved in updating the new 506.46-meter bridge had a budget of Php 1.46 billion. It is also one of the two bridge projects that were funded through a grant by the Chinese Government. The other project is the Binondo-Intramuros bridge which is scheduled to be completed in the fourth quarter of this year.
The new four-lane bridge can handle 50,000 vehicles per day
The new and improved bridge consists of four lanes that sit on top of a pre-stressed concrete frame. Besides that, it also has wider pedestrian walkways, an ample amount of lighting, a drainage structure, and protective barrier and railings. Suffice to say, it is much wider and safer than the old steel two-lane box truss bridge that was deconstructed back in 2019.
So, are you one of the many motorists who will get to use the Estrella-Pantaleon bridge on your daily drives?
For more car news, and the latest car reviews, keep it here on Philkotse.com.