The newly formed entity, JFE Engineering-First Balfour Joint Venture (JFE-FB JV), recently signed a contract with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for the Metro Manila Priority Bridges Seismic Improvement Project (MMPBSIP), a P7.7-billion initiative aimed at reinforcing two of the capital’s oldest and busiest bridges against earthquakes.
Seismic strengthening
Funded by Japan through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the project will focus on the seismic strengthening of the Lambingan Bridge in Santa Ana, Manila, and the Guadalupe Bridge along EDSA in Makati City.
The 46-year-old Guadalupe Bridge carries nearly 400,000 vehicles daily, while the 50-year-old Lambingan Bridge serves more than 30,000 vehicles. Recognizing the critical role these structures play in Metro Manila’s transportation network, the government prioritized their retrofitting under its disaster resilience program.
Under the project scope, the joint venture will demolish the existing Lambingan Bridge and replace it with a new arch-type steel bridge designed for greater seismic durability.
Meanwhile, at Guadalupe Bridge, the joint venture will replace the concrete outer spans with steel box girders, build new piers, and retrofit existing abutments to improve its structural stability.
Easing traffic disruptions
To minimize traffic disruptions, temporary steel detour bridges will be installed during the demolition and construction phases at Guadalupe.
The Notice to Proceed (NTP) for the project is expected to be issued within the next few weeks.
JFE Engineering Corp. brings to the project its expertise in large-scale infrastructure development, including power generation facilities, water and sewerage plants, pipelines, industrial machinery, and critical bridge and steel structure projects.
A subsidiary of the Lopez-led First Philippine Holdings Corp., First Balfour Inc. is recognized as one of the Philippines’ most respected engineering and construction companies, known for its expertise in delivering complex and high-impact projects.
Its portfolio includes major infrastructure developments such as the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway, the 150-MW Burgos Wind Farm, two contract packages for the North-South Commuter Railway, and a hyperscale data center in Quezon City. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
