QUEZON CITY, (PIA) -- A new attraction awaits residents, bikers, and park goers in the City of Manila as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) opens the new linear park and pedestrian stairs of the iconic Binondo-Intramuros Bridge.

The ceremonial opening of the Binondo-Intramuros Bridge linear park and pedestrian stairs was led by DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan, together with People’s Republic of China Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian; DPWH Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain; Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. Vice President Dr. Cecilio Pedro; and representatives of Project Contractor China Road and Bridge Corporation and CCCC Highway Consultants.

Bonoan said that the provision of the riverside park in the steel arch bridge that links historic Intramuros to the business district of Binondo is a testament to DPWH’s commitment to incorporate green and open spaces in every quality infrastructure for the people.

According to DPWH Senior Undersecretary Sadain, the opening of pedestrian stairs built on three (3) locations will improve accessibility going to and from the bridge while the provision of linear park complete with benches and pavers can serve as a place for leisure, meetings, and recreational activities for people of all ages.

Binondo-Intramuros Bridge connects San Fernando Street in Binondo and Muella de la Industria in Barangay San Nicolas, to Solana Street and Riverside Drive in Intramuros.

The pedestrian-friendly facilities creates a safe space and a more accessible route for everyone, whilst providing a platform for alternative means of transport.

Bonoan thanked the Chinese Government for their warm support to the Philippines’ infrastructure projects from the “Build, Build, Build” to the current administration’s “Build, Better, More” Program through sharing of technical knowledge and financial assistance.

The newly-completed linear park and pedestrian stairs was implemented by the DPWH Unified Project Management Office - Roads Management Cluster I (Bilateral) under the leadership of Project Director Benjamin A. Bautista.

This, along with the Estrella-Pantaleon Bridge in Makati, is the first UPMO-implemented infrastructure project in partnership with the Government of the Republic of China.

The Binondo-Intramuros Bridge is part of the ₱3.6 billion infrastructure grant by China under the Agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation in 2017. 

The bridge spans 70 meters long and 21.65 meters wide, providing four lanes for improved traffic efficiency. (dpwh/pia-ncr)