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By APD writer Melo M. Acuna
**MANILA, Nov.17 (APD)- **As follow-up to the ceremonial launch of various programs and agreements in Malacanang with President Rodrigo Duterte and Chinese Premier Le Keqiang last Thursday, Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Aquilar Villar and China’s Ministry of Commerce Deputy Director General Mr. Zeng Huacheng signed an implementation agreement of the two bridges donated by the Chinese government.
These bridges cost nearly P 6 billiion pesos and will span across Pasig River, known as the Binondo-Intramuros and Estrella-Pantaleon Bridges project.
“We thank the Chinese government for its commitment to President Duterte’s “Build, Build, Build” program,” Secretary Villar said in a statement.
He added the construction of the two bridges will begin next year and will be completed in 2021.
He also said these two bridges are part of the Metro Manila Logistics Improvement Project and it expected to cater to1.3 million vehicles everyday.
Both projects were approved by the National Economic Development Authority last September this year.
It was learned that the Binondo-Intramuros bridge would cost P 4.607 billion and it would be a steel bow-string arch bridge with intersecting reclining arches connecting Solana St. and Riverside Drive in Intramuros to San Fernando Street in Binondo.
The bridge will span 807 meters and will construct a viaduct over the creek adjacent to Muelle de Binondo said to be the world’s oldest Chinatown.
Meanwhile, the Estrella-Pantaleon Bridge would cost P 1.367 billion and would be a four-lane bridge that will replace the old two-lane structure in the area.
Secretary Villar said the project will increase the road network capacity connecting Rockwell Center in Makati to Barangka Drive in Mandaluyong City.
Mr. Zeng was accompanied by MOFCOM’s Agency for International Cooperation Director Fan Jinke and six other officials from various Chinese offices and corporations.
(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)
