DPWH signs contract for two China-aided bridges crossing Pasig River

The construction of bridges connecting Intramuros to Binondo and Estrella to Pantallon is now a go. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has signed a contract with CCCC Highway Consultant Ltd. and China Road and Bridge Corporation to start the P5.27-billion bridge projects. 

In April 2018, DPWH announced the enhancement of future bridges with modern and artistic design approach. This will be done to all bridges to be constructed in the country, which means we can expect these two bridges to be, should we say, works of art. Also, there is a plan for a P269-billion bridge project to connect Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Sounds like DPWH's on a roll in making bridges this year.

The contract greenlights the start of surveying, designing, and the construction of the Binondo-Intramuros and Estrella-Pantallon bridges. Off note, the design and construction will be handled by the Chinese partners – CCCC Highway Consultant Ltd. as the project management services consultant and China Road and Bridge as the contractor.

(above) Binondo-Intramuros bridge rendering via Undersecretary Mark Villar's Facebook post.

The said P5.27-billion budget has a P490 million allocation for consultancy services for the supervision of the construction itself, as well as the detailed engineering design – which are CCCC Highway Consultant Ltd.'s responsibilities.

Meanwhile, China Road and Bridge Corporation will be implementing civil works amounting to no more than P4.78 billion. The construction of the main bridge, approach bridge, connection road, and other ancillary facilities are expected to be accomplished no later than two and a half months.

(above) Estrella-Pantaleon bridge rendering via Undersecretary Mark Villar's Facebook Post.

In addition, the contract states that the contractor is obliged to fix its own expenses to all damages and defects on the structures due to fault in construction within the period of 12 months after completion. Likewise, China Road and Bridge Corporation is also responsible for any structural defect and failure within 15 years for permanent structures and 5 years for semi-permanent structures. 

DPWH, on the other hand, will provide the road right-of-way acquisition with the Unified Project Management Office - Road Management Cluster 1.

Main photo courtesy of Alternativity.