MANILA - The government closed on Sunday the Estrella-Pantaleon Bridge connecting the cities of Mandaluyong and Makati to make way for its two and a half year reconstruction.

The Department of Public Works and Highways, and the Metro Manila Development Authority said the birdge, which currently has 2 lanes, will be expanded to 4 lanes.

MMDA Spokesperson Asec. Celine Pialago said the project is expected to be finished in 2021.

The bridge accommodates 100,000 vehicles daily according to MMDA data and its temporary closure is expected to affect the traffic situation in the area.

Motorists who normally use the bridge will be rerouted to the Makati-Mandaluyong Bridge or EDSA Guadalupe Bridge.

Pialago said the project is part of a P5.27-billion Chinese grant, which also covers the Binondo-Intramuros Bridge in Manila, with China Road and Bridge Corporation conducting the civil works.

Meanwhile, some 200 informal settler families who live near and below the bridge will be affected.

Some families are worried about what could this mean especially since most of them have been living in the area for 30 years or more. They appeal to the local government to update them as soon as possible.

For its part the DPWH said the reconstruction of the bridge would help ease traffic and ensure public safety.

MMDA furthermore said that early next year, motorists should expect the reconstruction of the EDSA Guadalupe Bridge.