The historic William A. Jones Memorial Bridge, more popularly known as the Jones Bridge that spans the Pasig River in Manila and connects it to Binondo, is once again drawing attention as it is beautifully revitalized through Manila’s efforts to bring back its former glory and grandeur befitting its title as the pre-war “Paris of Asia” and “Pearl of the Orient”.
The city’s latest restoration project of the iconic and historic Jones Bridge is nearing completion and Manilenos have excitedly watched its progress through the reports of their chief executive, Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso.
The arch bridge originally built by Spain was named “Puenta de Espania” and had the look of bridges in Paris, France. After the bridge was destroyed during the war, the Americans replaced the bridge with a wider bridge and named it “Jones Bridge”. The bridges are remembered for their aesthetic designs and European-style lamp posts, but after the bridge was destroyed in World War II, Jones Bridge was never the same.
The most noticeable and eye-catching features of the restored bridge are the grand and elaborate European-style lamp posts which, the city mayor’s Facebook page on Sunday noted, were showcased in prenuptial photos shot by Peach Frost Studio.
Mayor Domagoso’s Facebook Live streaming of his ocular inspection of the bridge also revealed that the city will re-install the three beautiful “Motherhood/Nationhood” statues and that they are also trying to replicate a fourth sculpture that was lost.
Barricades are strategically placed in the center of the four-lane bridge to encourage people to use the pedestrian lane. The length of the bridge is painted, and they added solar road stud lights on the edge and centerline of the bridge. The walkways are painted with rubberized paint as a safety measures for pedestrians. Pin lights are installed to make the bridge more stunning at night.
People can’t wait to visit the spot to have their selfies and videos taken, absorbing and feeling the ambiance while walking on a European style promenade.
Efforts to revitalize Manila City’s historical landmarks, which have drawn international tourists, have been ongoing at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, the Metropolitan Theater, and at the Walled City of Intramuros.
SEND congratulations in the comments below to the people of Manila for their efforts to restore the city’s grandeur!
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