Across the Marikina River a marvel of modern engineering awaits. This is the Circulo Verde Bridge. It stands as a testament to connection and progress. Let’s delve into the story of this vital structure.
The Circulo Verde Bridge is more than just steel and concrete. It represents a link between Quezon City and Pasig. Ortigas & Company and the Pasig City government partnered to bring this vision to life. The goal was simple to ease traffic and benefit local communities.
The bridge’s construction began with a groundbreaking ceremony in June 2019. It was an exciting moment for everyone involved. The target completion date was set for the latter half of 2020. This ambitious project aimed to improve connectivity in Metro Manila.
Spanning 130 meters long and 19.2 meters wide, the Circulo Verde Bridge is quite substantial. It features four lanes to accommodate vehicles. Dedicated bicycle and pedestrian lanes promote an active lifestyle. This thoughtful design caters to various modes of transportation.
Jaime Ysmael, President and CEO of Ortigas & Company, expressed his enthusiasm. He emphasized the bridge’s role in providing convenient access. It connects Pasig City with the mixed-use estate of Circulo Verde and vice versa. The bridge helps ease traffic and benefits communities.
The Circulo Verde Bridge is part of a larger development story. The area where Circulo Verde now stands was once part of the Hacienda de Mandaloyon. Francisco Ortigas and Frank W Dudley purchased this vast estate in the 1920s. It included areas of Mandaluyong, Pasig, San Juan and Quezon City.
In 2008, Ortigas & Company bought back a Bagumbayan plant for redevelopment. This marked the beginning of the Circulo Verde project. Initially named Aqua Verde, it launched in 2009. The project included residential towers and a mixed-use concept.
The Circulo Verde development faced some controversy in 2011. Local officials raised concerns about potential encroachment on the Marikina River. They worried about the river’s flow being constricted. However, engineers refuted these claims stating that the riverbank protection wall actually improved the river’s flow.
Beyond the bridge, Circulo Verde offers a variety of amenities. There are high-rise condominium complexes like Majorca, Ibiza, Seville, Lleida and Avila. The Circulo Verde Garden Homes provide low-rise townhouse options. The development also includes the Bannister Academy and CV Sports Hub.
CV Sports Hub is a multi-use recreational center. It features The Bike Playground, CV Quad and Palms Arena. The Bike Playground is the first bike park in the Philippines. Industria Mall is the retail anchor for the Circulo Verde development. It offers a mix of cafes, restaurants and a co-working space.
Hachi Park provides a dedicated space for dog lovers. The Cirque offers serviced apartments managed by Hospitality Innovators Inc. Circulo Verde truly embodies a complete and modern lifestyle.
As you stand on the Circulo Verde Bridge, consider its impact. It’s a symbol of progress, connectivity and community. This bridge not only spans the Marikina River but also bridges the gap between cities and people.