Right here before us stands the Delpan Bridge. It is also known as the M. Roxas Jr. Bridge or Mel Lopez Bridge. This bridge is more than just a link between places. It is a testament to Manila’s vibrant history.
The Delpan Bridge connects Tondo and Manila North Harbor to Manila South Harbor and Intramuros. It is the first of many bridges that span the Pasig River. This makes it a crucial artery for the city.
Did you know that the Delpan Bridge has a load limit of 20 tons? This restriction ensures its structural integrity. It also affects the types of vehicles that can cross it.
The North-South Harbor Bridge will soon be parallel to the Delpan Bridge. The North-South Harbor Bridge is an upcoming cable-stayed bridge. It will connect Barangay 20 in the North Harbor with Barangay 649 in the South Harbor.
Back in the 19th century, Manila was called the “Pearl of the Orient”. The city was commissioning new bridges to boost the economy. One symbol of Manila’s progress was the Puente Colgante or Hanging Bridge. Nick Joaquin described it as a salute to science and engineering.
Originally, Puente Colgante was named Puente de Claveria. It was likely named after Governor-General Narciso Claveria y Zaldua. He ordered Filipinos to take Spanish surnames. The bridge was commonly known as Puente Colgante because of its steel suspension design.
Construction started in 1849 and finished in 1852. Ynchausti y Compania built it. The city awarded them a 90-year franchise. Tolls from the bridge became an early source of income for the company.
There is a myth that Gustave Eiffel designed the Puente Colgante. However, he was too young at the time of its construction. Matias Mechacatorre, a Basque engineer, designed the bridge. It connected Ynchausti y Compania’s factories and warehouses. The bridge became a landmark in pre-World War II Manila. It was the first steel suspension bridge in Asia.
The Delpan Bridge stands as a reminder of Manila’s past. It also highlights the city’s ongoing development. As you look at the Delpan Bridge, consider its role in Manila. It is a vital part of the city’s story. It connects not only places but also eras.