Filipino and Chinese officials on Friday officially opened to the public the new linear park and pedestrian stairs of the iconic Binondo-Intramuros Bridge in Manila, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said.

In a statement, the DPWH noted that the new attraction would benefit residents, bikers, and parkgoers in the City of Manila.

The ceremonial opening was led by DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan, together with People’s Republic of China Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian; DPWH Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain; Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. vice president Dr. Cecilio Pedro; and representatives of Project Contractor China Road and Bridge Corp. and CCCC Highway Consultants.

According to Bonoan, the provision of the riverside park in the steel arch bridge that links historic Intramuros to the business district of Binondo is a testament to the DPWH’s commitment to incorporating green and open spaces in every quality infrastructure for the people.

He also thanked the Chinese government for their warm support for the Philippines’ infrastructure projects from the “Build, Build, Build” to the current administration’s “Build, Better, More” Program by sharing technical knowledge and financial assistance.

The newly completed linear park and pedestrian stairs were implemented by the DPWH Unified Project Management Office – Roads Management Cluster I (Bilateral) under the leadership of Project Director Benjamin Bautista.

On the other hand, Sadain said the opening of pedestrian stairs built on three locations would improve accessibility going to and from the bridge while the provision of a linear park complete with benches and pavers could serve as a place for leisure, meetings, and recreational activities for people of all ages.

The pedestrian-friendly facilities create a safe space and a more accessible route for everyone while providing a platform for alternative means of transport.

The bridge connects San Fernando Street in Binondo and Muella de la Industria in Barangay San Nicolas, to Solana Street and Riverside Drive in Intramuros. It spans 70 meters long and 21.65 meters wide, providing four lanes for improved traffic efficiency.

The structure is part of the PHP3.6-billion infrastructure grant by China under the Agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation in 2017. (PNA)