The Asian Development Bank said Wednesday it approved a $175-million (around P8.75 billion) loan to help the Philippine government build three new climate- and disaster-resilient bridges over the Marikina River to improve road traffic flow amid the rapid urbanization of Metro Manila.
The ADB said in a statement the Metro Manila Bridges Project will construct bridges totaling 3,024 meters over the Marikina River, including the Marcos Highway–St. Mary Avenue Bridge, Homeowner’s Drive–A. Bonifacio Bridge, and Kabayani Street–Matandang Balara Bridge.
It will help improve the ability of the Department of Public Works and Highways to manage, operate, and maintain the country’s roads and bridges.
“This project is part of the country’s flagship ‘Build, Build, Build’ infrastructure development program and the government’s integrated transport strategy to decongest Metro Manila, and promote development in the regions,” ADB Transport Specialist for Southeast Asia Chaorin Shim said.