THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DWPH) said Monday the China-funded Estrella-Pantaleon Bridge project, which connects the cities of Makati and Mandaluyong, is now 93% complete.
“Only a few activities” are left before the new bridge opens next month, Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark A. Villar said in a statement.
“Concreting of approach road on both sides of Makati and Mandaluyong will complete the links with the finished main and approach bridge,” Undersecretary for Unified Project Management Office Operations Emil K. Sadain said.
The P1.46-billion bridge project “will have four lanes and will be a 506.46-meter pre-stressed concrete rigid frame bridge with corrugated steel webs, replacing the temporary two-lane box truss bridge made of modular steel components dismantled in 2019,” the department noted.
The bridge project is one of two grant bridges — the other one is Bonifacio Global City’s Lawton-Sta. Monica Bridge — from China being implemented by the department.
“Other remaining ancillary works to complete the stunning bridge project with V-shape piers include asphalt overlay; and installation of lane markings, protective barriers and railings along both sides of the bridge, pipes for the storm water drainage structure, and lighting,” it added.
The project is among the 14 agreements signed during Chinese Premier Li Keqiang’s state visit to Manila in November 2017.
Once completed, the new bridge is expected to accommodate about 50,000 vehicles daily. — Arjay L. Balinbin