Philippines Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is set to begin construction work on the Estrella-Pantaleon and Binondo-Intramuros bridges in the Philippines by next week.

The two bridges are being constructed using Chinese grants that have been allocated as a result of a bilateral cooperation between the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of the Philippines.

DPWH secretary Mark Villar said: “The implementation of these bridges is scheduled to begin next week and will be accessible to the public by 2020.”

The 506.46m Estrella-Pantaleon Bridge will establish a link between Estrella Street in Makati City and Barangka Drive in Mandaluyong City.

“The construction of the Estrella-Pantaleon Bridge and Binondo-Intramuros Bridge is part of our master plan to decongest other existing bridges.”

With a total road length of 734m, the Binondo-Intramuros Bridge will feature a four-lane carriageway, as well as a 3m sidewalk along both sides.

Crossing the Pasig River, it will provide a new link between Intramuros and Binondo.

The new bridges in the Philippines are part of the Metro Manila Logistics Improvement Network, which includes construction of 12 new bridges crossing Pasig River, Marikina River, and Manggahan Floodway.

Upon completion, the project is expected to transport 1.3 million vehicles a day and will provide alternative links between major roads such as EDSA and C5.

Villar further added: “These two bridges are a product of our partnership with the people of China. We are optimistic about this collaboration as they will be providing world-class bridges that will truly be beneficial for us Filipinos.

“The construction of the Estrella-Pantaleon Bridge and Binondo-Intramuros Bridge is part of our master plan to decongest other existing bridges.”

As a major component of this initiative, the department further plans to increase the number of bridges across the nation and rehabilitate the older bridges to ensure public safety.