President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Tuesday led the inauguration of the China-funded Binondo-Intramuros Bridge in Manila.
During his speech, Duterte said the bridge is one of the key accomplishments of the Build, Build, Build program under his administration.
"The DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways) and all its partners deserve the recognition for completing one of the key projects of this administration's Build, Build, Build program," he said.
Duterte also extended his gratitude to China for being "a partner in enhancing key infrastructure projects" in the Philippines.
Also present at the event was Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian, who said the bridge was expected to accommodate "30,000 traffic volume per day" and help with ease of travel as well as contribute to the economy.
He added the Bindondo-Intramuros Bridge marked the 16th government-to-government project completed between the Philippines and China since 2016.
According to the DPWH, the newly-built bridge is a two-way, four-lane bridge over the Pasig River, connecting Solana Street and Riverside Drive in Intramuros to Muelle dela Industria and Plaza del Conde Street in Binondo. The exit ramp to Plaza del Conde Street will open in mid-April.
The department has yet to announce when the bridge will be opened to the public but based on the inspection done last Monday, April 4, bike lanes on both sides of the bridge have yet to be completed.
The Binondo-Intramuros Bridge is part of a P5.27-billion Chinese grant agreed upon during Duterte’s visit to China in 2017.
The other bridge is Estrella-Pantaleon, which was completed in July 2021.
