The P3.3-billion new iconic bridge in Manila is set to open to motorists by first quarter of next year, according to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
The installation of fabricated precast concrete slab panels that will serve as main bridge carriageway of the Binondo-Intramuros Bridge project are nearing completion while the entire project’s progress rate stood at 77 percent, said Mark Villar, DPWH secretary.
Currently, DPWH is still working on the relocation of electric poles and telco lines to fast-track the completion of the project.
Emil Sadain, DPWH undersecretary for Unified Project Management Office operations, said the agency is following up requests with Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) to move or relocate distribution poles and overhead high-tension lines that pose safety concerns in the ongoing construction of ramps in the Binondo and Intramuros areas.
DPWH conducted an actual field assessment on problems regarding the existing Meralco and telco lines which will be affected by the launch of steel box girders for the down-ramp along Estero De Binondo towards Plaza del Conde and Rentas Street, and the relocation of affected lines along Muelle de Binondo (near San Nicolas Fire Station) and Rentas Street where the down-ramp of the bridge project will be connected.
Of the 135 bored piles for abutments, piers and ramps, 114 were already completed with the remaining 21 mostly at the Estero De Binondo area.
The presence of powerlines and other utilities along Estero de Binondo at the north approach bridge posed challenges in the tight schedule to complete the new bridge, DPWH said.
Construction of the 680 lineal meter basket-handle tied steel arch bridge connecting Intramuros (at Solana Street and Riverside Drive) and Binondo (at San Fernando Bridge) with a viaduct structure over Estero de Binondo is financed by a China aid grant.
Although the coronavirus pandemic disrupted the jobsite activity, DPWH and contractor China Road and Bridge Corp. are taking pro-active and preventive measures for workers in accordance with the construction health and safety guidelines issued by Villar, especially with the heightened restrictions due to the coronavirus Delta variant, Sadain said. – Myla Iglesias
