Binondo-Intramuros arch bridge draws crowd

The Binondo-Intramuros Bridge which opened few months ago as motorists' alternative route has also become a hang-out place for pedestrians, riders and bikers curious about the new structure.

According to Nico Waje’s “24 Oras” report, people love to visit and stay along the steel arch bridge because of its lights and scenery, especially at night.

In the report, almost no cars were passing by the bridge. Instead, many vendors, bikers, tricycle drivers, and other vehicles seemed to have turned the bridge into a park.

Although this is against the general rule, the spokesperson and head of communications for the Office of the Mayor City of Manila admits that the crowd is inevitable.

"Hindi mo rin naman din sila maiiwasan dahil gustong mag- enjoy nang kaunti. Alalahanin din natin na kailangan natin mapanatiling maayos ito at ligtas para sa lahat,” she said.

However, Police Major Philipp Ines of Manila Police said the bridge was not for the people to hang around.

“‘Yung Binondo-Intramuros bridge maganda kasi yan, pero hindi naman natin ina-allow na gagawing tambayan dahil hindi naman ito intended para tambayan,” he said.

Meanwhile, the local government reminded the public that minors in Manila still have a 10 p.m. curfew.

The P3.9-billion bridge project connects Intramuros at Solana Street and Riverside Drive with the district of Binondo at Rentas Street/Plaza del Conde Street and Muelle dela Industria.

Opened in April this year, the bridge also has dedicated pathways for pedestrians, joggers, and bikers.—Sherylin Untalan/LDF, GMA News