China has signed an implementation agreement for the Binondo-Intramuros and Estrella-Pantaleon Bridges project in the Philippines.

The two bridges are being constructed as part of the Metro Manila Logistics Improvement Project and will receive financial support from China.

The two projects were approved by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) board in September this year.

Philippines Department of Public Works Secretary Mark Villar said: “We thank the Chinese Government for its commitment on President Duterte’s Build Build Build programme.

“The construction of Binondo-Intramuros and Estrella-Pantaleon Bridge is set to begin next year and will be completed in 2021.”

“The construction of Binondo-Intramuros and Estrella-Pantaleon Bridge is set to begin next year and will be completed in 2021.”

The Binondo-Intramuros bridge will span 807m and will be built with an investment of PHP4.6bn ($90.4m).

It will feature a steel bow-string arch with intersecting reclining arches connecting Intramuros and Binondo regions.

The Estrella-Pantaleon bridge will be a four-lane bridge, which would replace the old two-lane bridge in the area.

The new four-lane bridge will be constructed with an investment of PHP1.3bn ($25.5m) to further enhance the capacity of the road connecting to Rockwell Center, Makati, and Barangka Drive, Mandaluyong.

DPWH anticipates that the new bridge will minimise traffic congestion at the six-lane approach road at Estrella St., Makati City and the intersection at the Barangka side, Mandaluyong City.