DPWH inks P5.27 B bridge contract with China firms

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has signed a contract worth P5.27 billion (643.458 million Chinese yuan) with Chinese firms CCCC Highway Consultant Ltd. and China Road and Bridge Corp. for two bridge projects.

In a statement, the DPWH said the contract was signed by Public Works Secretary Mark Villar, Public Works Undersecretary Emil Sadain, CCCC Highway deputy manager Lyu Gaohu, and China Road and Bridge vice president Liu Hong on Friday.

The signing of the deal paves the way for the start of survey, design, and construction of the Binondo-Intramuros and Estrella-Pantallon bridge projects.

Of the total amount, P490 million or 59.859 million Chinese yuan will go to consultancy services of the projects to be provided by CCCC Highway. 

As the designated project management services consultant of the bridge projects, CCCC Highway will handle the detailed engineering design and construction supervision. 

The amount of P4.78 billion or 583.6 million Chinese yuan, on the other hand, has been allocated for civil works of the bridges to be implemented by contractor China Road and Bridge. 

Work on the projects will consist of construction of main bridge, approach bridge, connection road, traffic engineering, lighting, and other ancillary facilities within 30 months.

Both projects, which received grant from China, are expected to become new landmarks in the cities of Manila, Makati, and Mandaluyong.

The grant will cover the design and construction of the bridges.

Meanwhile, the DPWH would be responsible for the right-of-way.