DPWH resumes construction of flagship projects in NCR

MANILA, Philippines — Construction works on flagship projects of the Department of Public Works and Highway (DPWH) have resumed in the National Capital Region, including a project seen as a “traffic game changer.”

The DPWH said civil works have resumed for the Bonifacio Global City-Ortigas Center Link Road project, with construction safety guidelines strictly being implemented.

The agency said progress of work for the project stands at 51 percent and a catch-up plan will be implemented to recover lost time following the suspension of work on March 17 due to the enhanced community quarantine.

DPWH said contractors are ready to ramp up work in order to finish significant components of the project, particularly the Sta. Monica-Lawton Bridge by December 2020.

The 440-meter Sta. Monica-Lawton Bridge Project is a four-lane bridge across Pasig River connecting Lawton Avenue in Makati City and Sta. Monica Street in Pasig City.

In all, the BGC-Ortigas Center Road link is expected to be a traffic game changer as it will serve as an alternate route for motorists travelling from Ortigas central business district in Pasig to Bonifacio Global City in Taguig and vice versa.

Meanwhile, DPWH said construction activities have also restarted on the Estrella-Pantaleon Bridge project connecting Makati and Mandaluyong, and the Binondo-Intramuros Bridge in Manila, which are 54 percent and 32 percent completed, respectively.

Public Works Secretary Mark Villar earlier issued Department Order 35, which provides the framework and guidance for the implementation of infrastructure projects during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The IATF under Resolution 34 dated also gave the green light for the resumption of some construction projects, but with strict compliance to DPWH guidelines.