Duterte leads inauguration of Binondo-Intramuros bridge

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte inaugurated yesterday the Binondo-Intramuros Bridge in Manila funded by the Chinese government.

In his speech, Duterte expressed his gratitude to the Chinese government for the confidence and for being a partner in enhancing key infrastructure projects in the country.

“As my administration comes to a close, we remain committed to providing a comfortable life for every Filipino through various opportunities for growth and success,” the President said.

“It is our hope that present and future generations will enjoy enhanced mobility and connectivity through innovative physical integration,” he added.

The event was also attended by Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian, presidential aspirant Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso and other government officials.

The Binondo-Intramuros Bridge is a two-way, four-lane, 680-meter long structure that links Intramuros at Solana Street and Riverside Drive and Binondo at Rentas Street, Plaza del Conde Street and Muelle dela Industria, with a viaduct structure over Estero de Binondo.

Huang said the Binondo-Intramuros Bridge is the 16th completed government-to-government project between China and the Philippines since 2016.

Huang said the bridge “will greatly contribute to revitalizing the Philippine economy and improving people’s livelihood.”

The Binondo-Intramuros Bridge, together with the Estrella Pantaleon Bridge which was completed in 2021, are two flagship infrastructure projects funded by a grant from China in support of the Duterte administration’s Build, Build, Build program.

30,000 motorists daily

The Binondo-Intramuros bridge is expected to cater to over 30,000 motorists and will drastically improve the traffic condition in Metro Manila, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Roger Mercado said during the bridge’s opening ceremonies yesterday.

The bike lanes on both sides follow the same direction as motor vehicle traffic. These dedicated bike lanes have reflective thermoplastic road lines and protected sidewalks, part of the DPWH’s program to build safe infrastructure for non-motorized road users.

The Binondo-Intramuros bridge was designed in accordance with the new seismic specifications and taking into consideration the impact of climate change.

Meanwhile, the fabricated access staircases for the built-in protected pedestrian walkways in the extended off side of the bridge is expected to arrive from Shanghai, China by May and will be completely installed within one month or by June 2022. – Jose Rodel Clapano