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Quezon Bridge - History

September 29, 2008

Quezon Bridge can be found in Quezon Boulevard in Quiapo. This bridge was the second bridge to be opened to cross the Pasig River in Manila, next to Jones Bridge.

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(Old Suspension Bridge in Quiapo)

Did you know that this bridge was first built as a suspension bridge? Inaugurated on Jaunary 4, 1852, the old suspension bridge had two lanes that allow passages of horse and carabao drawn carriage during that time. It was also opened for pedestrians from Quiapo going to Intramuros and nearby areas.

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Its old name was Puente de Colgante, and became the first suspension bridge not only in the Philippines but in Southeast Asia as well.

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(View from Pasig River)

Before the Second World War started in 1940, the suspension bridge was reconstructed and converted into a modern steel bridge. The Puente de Colgante was then renamed Quezon Bridge named after Manuel L. Quezon, who was the Philippine President during that time.

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(Quezon Bridge before Reconstruction)

This modern steel bridge was designed by French Engineer Alexandre Gustave Eiffel, the architect who also designed the Eiffel Tower in Europe. The materials used in the construction of the bridge were even imported from England.

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The bridge was also part of the neo-capitoline designs during the American occupation in Manila. Today, Quezon Bridge is still standing and is now in the list of the Philippines’ heritage conservation society.

Posted by manilahub at 4:43 pm | permalink

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