Binondo–Intramuros Bridge

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Binondo–Intramuros Bridge
Binondo-Intramuros Bridge sunset (Manila; 12-31-2021).jpg
The bridge in December 2021
Coordinates14°35′43″N 120°58′29″E / 14.59527°N 120.97481°E / 14.59527; 120.97481
Carries4 lanes of vehicular traffic and pedestrians
CrossesPasig River
LocaleManila, Philippines
Characteristics
Total length737 m (2,418 ft)
History
Constructed byDepartment of Public Works and Highways
Construction startJuly 17, 2018
Construction end2022
Location

The Binondo–Intramuros Bridge is an under construction bridge in Manila, Philippines that spans the Pasig River. Once completed, it will connect San Fernando Street in Binondo to Solana Street and Riverside Drive in Intramuros. The bridge will have four lanes and is planned to exhibit a steel bowstring arch design with inclined arches.[1] It will have a length of 737 meters (2,418 ft).[2]

The bridge is controversial due to its location at the historic center of Manila, near the San Agustin Church heritage site.

Planning and construction[]

Construction work on the bridge.
The bridge under construction as of February 2021.

The bridge is a part of the 500 million renminbi infrastructure grant by China under the Agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation, which was agreed upon by China and the Philippines following a state visit of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte to China in May 2017.[3] On June 22, 2017, the Department of Public Works and Highways and the Chinese embassy signed a Minutes of Discussion regarding the full grant and financing the construction of the bridge.[4]

Construction was expected to begin within 2017.[5] The DPWH Unified Project Management Office-Roads Management Cluster I will implement the construction of the bridge.[4] By July 2017, the feasibility study for the bridge was completed and it will be submitted to the National Economic and Development Authority Investment Coordination Committee.[6] The groundbreaking ceremony for the bridge led by President Duterte took place on July 17, 2018.[7] The bridge was expected to be completed in September 2021,[8] but was delayed to December 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[9] The bridge is slated for opening by the first quarter of 2022.

Reception[]

Heritage conservationists groups has expressed concerns regarding the proposed bridge. International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) Philippines advises against the construction of a vehicular bridge connecting Binondo and Intramuros suggesting a pedestrian bridge instead. A study conducted by the organization found the construction of the proposed Binondo–Intramuros Bridge will likely affect the Aduana Building in Intramuros due to its soft foundation as well as the Chamber of Commerce Building and Plaza Mexico. It also notes that the bridge will cover the Estero de Binondo and the Puente de San Fernando will be demolished to give way for the bridge's construction. ICOMOS Philippines has also said that the bridge will worsen traffic conditions in the area and will cause visual and air pollution. The organization also notes that ramps of the proposed bridge will affect the buffer zone of the San Agustin Church and Monastery, a World Heritage Site. The case of the desisting of the City of Dresden as a World Heritage Site due to the construction of the Waldschlösschen Bridge has been cited by ICOMOS Philippines with regards to the proposed Binondo–Intramuros Bridge and has raised concerns that the bridge project could threaten the bid of the whole Intramuros area to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site.[10]

Heritage Conservation Society also has opposed the project while the Advocates for Heritage Preservation has urged the bridge to be designed to complement the area's Spanish colonial architecture.[10] The Chamber of Commerce of the Philippine Islands has also opposed the planned bridge due to heritage and pollution concerns. It proposed instead to expand the Del Pan and Jones Bridges.[11]

See also[]

References[]

  1. ^ Placido, Dharel (June 29, 2017). "Construction of two China-sponsored bridges to begin this year". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved June 29, 2017.
  2. ^ "DPWH to start construction of Estrella-Pantaleon, Binondo-Intramuros bridges by next week–Villar". BusinessMirror. July 11, 2018. Retrieved July 12, 2018.
  3. ^ Kabiling, Genalyn (June 25, 2017). "Malacañang welcomes China's grant to finance two bridges". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved July 13, 2017.
  4. ^ a b Depasupil, William (June 22, 2017). "Philippines, China ink first infra partnership under Duterte". The Manila Times. Retrieved July 13, 2017.
  5. ^ Alvarez, Kathrina Charmaine (June 29, 2017). "Villar boasts of 2 China-funded bridges, Ilocos-Bicol road network". GMA News. Retrieved July 13, 2017.
  6. ^ Tubayan, Elijah Joseph (July 12, 2017). "55 big-ticket infra projects await ICC action; 6 pass feasibility stage". BusinessWorld. BusinessWorld Publishing Corporation. Retrieved July 13, 2017.
  7. ^ "President Duterte breaks ground for two China Grant-Aid bridges". PTV News. July 17, 2018. Retrieved July 17, 2018.
  8. ^ De Guzman, Marcus (February 8, 2021). "Binondo-Intramuros Bridge to be completed Sept 2021". AutoIndustriya.com. Retrieved July 1, 2021.
  9. ^ De Guzman, Marcus (June 30, 2021). "Binondo-Intramuros Bridge opening moved to Dec 2021". AutoIndustriya.com. Retrieved July 1, 2021.
  10. ^ a b Sembrano, Edgar (July 30, 2018). "Unesco advisory group warns vs planned Binondo-Intramuros bridge". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved November 11, 2018.
  11. ^ Cahiles-Magkilat, Bernie (September 5, 2018). "Chamber opposes China-funded Binondo-Intramuros bridge". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved November 11, 2018.

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