Public Works Secretary Mark Villar announced the opening of the China-funded Estrella-Pantaleon Bridge, which is expected to ease traffic on EDSA.

"The Pantaleon Estrella Bridge connecting Makati and Mandaluyong will open at 8 p.m. on July 29.

Once the new bridge is opened to the public, motorists from Mandaluyong will be able to reach Makati's central business district within five minutes.

Despite the challenges, the Department of Public Works and Highways was able to fulfill its commitment to complete in July the bridge built with a Chinese grant of 1.46 billion pesos. On Wednesday, DPWH officials conducted a final safety inspection of the new structure, which is expected to accommodate about 50,000 vehicles per day. It is one of two bridges funded by the Chinese government, with the other expected to be completed by the end of this year.