Japan firm, First Balfour bag NCR bridges upgrade

JFE Engineering Corp., a Japan-based diversified engineering company, and First Balfour Inc., the Lopez Group’s construction arm, have formed a joint venture company that will undertake a P7.7-billion project designed to enhance the resilience against earthquakes of two of Metro Manila’s oldest and busiest bridges.

The eponymous company, JFE Engineering-First Balfour Joint Venture (JFE-FB JV), recently signed a contract with the Department of Public Works and Highways for the implementation of the Metro Manila Priority Bridges Seismic Improvement Project (MMPBSIP).

The seismic shield is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance the infrastructure’s resilience against natural disasters and ensure the continued safety and reliability of Metro Manila’s key transport routes.

To be funded by Japan through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), MMPBSIP aims to strengthen the earthquake resilience of the Lambingan Bridge along New Panaderos Street in Santa Ana, Manila, and the Guadalupe Bridge along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue in Makati City.

Close to 400,000 vehicles use the 46-year-old Guadalupe Bridge every day, while more than 30,000 other vehicles use the 50-year-old Lambingan Bridge.

JICA sets financing

Under the JICA-funded project, the joint venture company between JFE Engineering and First Balfour will demolish the existing concrete Lambingan Bridge and construct a new arch-type and stronger steel bridge on the same site.

At the Guadalupe Bridge, the joint venture construction company will replace the concrete outer spans with steel box girders, while new piers and retrofitted abutments will improve its structural stability.

During the demolition and construction phases of the Guadalupe bridge, the joint venture company will install temporary steel detour bridges to maintain traffic flow and minimize disruption.

The notice to proceed with the project is expected to be issued in the coming weeks.

JFE Engineering specializes in developing large infrastructure projects, including power generation plants, water and sewerage plants, pipelines, industrial machinery, bridges, and steel structures.