The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on Monday announced the China-funded Davao River Bridge, also known as the Bucana Bridge, is expected to be completed by the end of November, which should significantly ease traffic congestion between the eastern and western coastal areas of Davao City.
The agency reported the construction is now 99.2 percent complete. It is expected to open once the DPWH Regional Office 11 completes the asphalt road to Quezon Boulevard in December. The road will serve as the main access route for motorists traveling to and from the Bucana Bridge and the Davao City Coastal Road.
DPWH Senior Undersecretary Emil Sadain said remaining minor works, which will be finished by the end of November, include pavement markings at Approach Road 1, sidewalks and fencing and final installation of electrical components and system connections.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the DPWH to expedite the construction of the bridge to improve connectivity.
“We are expediting the completion of the bridge’s final requirements so it can be safely opened to the public,” Sadain said.
“Our priority is to deliver this bridge with the highest level of quality, safety standards and structural integrity,” he said.Funded by China’s official development assistance (ODA), the P3.1-billion Davao River Bridge is a four-lane, six-span extradosed structure stretching 480.20 meters, which includes 1,340 meters of approach roads.
