DPWH resumes construction of flagship infra projects in Metro Manila

Construction works on flagship projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways have resumed (DPWH) in the National Capital Region.

In his report to Secretary Mark A. Villar, DPWH Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain that civil works have resumes at Bonifacio Global City-Ortigas Center Link Road Project with the DPWH Unified Project Management Office (UPMO) operations strictly implementing the construction safety guidelines issued by the Secretary.

To keep construction sites operating as safely as possible, Secretary Villar has earlier issued Department Order 35 which provides the framework and guidance for the implementation of infrastructure projects during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The IATF under Resolution No. 34 dated May 8, 2020 also gave the green light for the resumption of some construction projects but with strict compliance to DPWH guidelines.

Following compliance to the stringent health and safety protocols, construction activities have also restarted at Estrella-Panteon Bridge Project connecting Makati City and Mandaluyong City and Binondo-Intramuros Bridge in Manila which are 54% and 32% completed, respectively.

With progress of work for BGC-Ortigas Center Link Road Project at 51%, DPWH UPMO Roads Management Cluster 1 and the contractors have agreed to follow a catch up plan in the recovery of lost time when work was suspended on March 17, 2020 due to enhanced community quarantine.

The DPWH contractors are ready to take another step forward and ramp up work accomplishment in order to finish significant components of the project particularly the Sta. Monica-Lawton Bridge by December 2020, said Undersecretary Sadain.

The 440-meter Sta. Monica-Lawton Bridge Project is a four (4 ) lane bridge across Pasig River connecting Lawton Avenue in Makati City and Sta. Monica Street in Pasig City.

Launching at rebar cage of reinforcement steel prepared at contractors on-site compound during lockdown for the piers to support superstructure of the 565 meter viaduct traversing Lawton Avenue onwards to BGC entrance have started May 13, 2020 immediately followed with concrete pouring activities to take advantage of the less vehicular traffic while Metro Manila is placed under modified enhanced community quarantine.

The BGC-Ortigas Center Road link will be a traffic game changer as it will serve as an alternate route for motorists looking to travel from Ortigas central business district in Pasig to Bonifacio Global City in Taguig and vice versa. (DPWH)