CALOOCAN CITY, (PIA) -- President Rodrigo Roa Duterte inaugurated on Thursday, the Estrella - Pantaleon Bridge connecting the cities of Mandaluyong and Makati.

The President was joined by Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Mark A. Villar, Senator Christopher Lawrence Bong Go, and Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea in the symbolic unveiling of bridge marker at Rockwell, Makati City.

Built at a cost of P1.46 billion, the Estrella - Pantaleon Bridge Project is one of the two (2) bridges funded by a grant of the People’s Republic of China — the other one is Binondo-Intramuros Bridge in Manila expected to be finished at the end of the year.

Villar said the project is under the Metro Manila Logistics Improvement Network to address traffic congestion including that of EDSA.  Built across Pasig River, the bridge is expected to accommodate about 50,000 vehicles daily and among the

The four (4)-lane bridge with added aesthetic value of V-shaped piers is made of pre-stressed concrete rigid frame with corrugated steel webs, replacing the temporary two-lane box truss bridge dismantled in 2019.

Compared to the old bridge made of temporary modular steel components, the new bridge has two (2) lanes on each direction and with wider sidewalk component.

Estrella - Pantaleon Bridge has a 50.5 meters approach road on Estrella Street, 66 meters Makati approach bridge made of pre-stressed continuous girder, 146 meters main bridge and 243.96 meters approach road at Barangka Drive connected to Pantaleon Street in Mandaluyong City.

Other miscellaneous works include thermoplastic pavement markings, protective barrier and railings along both sides of the bridge, pipes for the storm water, drainage structure, and lightings.

The event was also attended by Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez, MMDA Chairman Benhur Abalos, DPWH Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain, and Mandaluyong City Mayor Carmelita Abalos. (DPWH/PIA-NCR)