The Philippines’ Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has inaugurated the new 680-m Binondo-Intramuros Bridge in the capital Manila. Crossing the Pasig River, it is one of the projects under the country’s ‘Build, Build, Build programme.

“Built with four lanes measuring 21.65-m wide, this new bridge will cater to around 30,000 motorists, going in and out of Intramuros and Binondo daily,” said DPWH Secretary Roger G. Mercado.

The basket-handle tied steel arch bridge, which opened last week on 5 April, links the two districts of the city: Intramuros (at Solana Street and Riverside Drive) and Binondo (at Rentas Street and Muelle dela Industria).

Bike lanes with reflective thermoplastic road lines and protected sidewalks on both sides are also features of the project as part of DPWH’s programme to create safe infrastructure for non-motorised road users.

Furthermore, the project conforms to the standard design under DPWH seismic guidelines, criteria and specifications in an effort to make it resilient in the event of large magnitude earthquakes.

Built by contractor China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), the Binondo-Intramuros Bridge is a joint undertaking of the Philippine and Chinese governments. It is fully funded through China’s grant aid, along with the completed Estrella-Pantaleon Bridge that was inaugurated in July last year.

“In the coming months, the public can expect a long list of pipeline flagship projects under the Build, Build, Build programme started under the term of President Duterte to be completed and opened,” said Mr Mercado.

According to DPWH, as part of the overall Metro Manila Logistics Network, a total of 12 bridges are being planned over the Pasig River, Marikina River and Manggahan Floodway to help ease congestion in the metropolis – three of them have been completed, five under procurement (two JICA and three ADB funding), three under financing negotiation with China, and one under private initiative.

All images: DPWH