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Philippines
Monday, February 17, 2025
27.1 C
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Monday, February 17, 2025

Samal-Davao bridge on track for 2028 opening

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The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said it is on track to complete the P23.5-billon Samal Island-Davao City Connector (SIDC) Project by 2028.

DPWH Senior Undersecretary Emil Sadain said the overall physical accomplishment of the project is now at 11.87 percent, with a positive slippage of 4.35 percent.

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He said the bridge’s foundation works are advancing as planned, and the SIDC project is on track to meet its completion deadline by September 2028.

The project will feature two lanes in each direction, as well as ramps, roundabouts and both marine and land viaducts. The bridge will have a 275-meter main span, two pylons standing 73 meters above sea level and a 1.62-kilometer marine crossing, cementing its role in improving regional connectivity.

Sadain said the pivotal infrastructure development aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Build Better More program and his vision of Bagong Pilipinas, aiming to improve connectivity nationwide by providing essential transportation links that will significantly enhance the quality of life for Filipinos.

Work on the project is progressing steadily, with significant milestones reached in the bored piling activities for both the land and marine viaducts.

The agency said 73 of 110 piles for the land viaduct on the Davao City side were completed, while all 74 piles for the Samal Island side land viaduct were finished. For the navigation bridge, 13 piles were completed on the Davao side, and 11 piles on the Samal side.

Work on the R. Castillo Approach ramp started, with 7.5 percent of the 133 bored piling already finished.

Land acquisition for the project is also progressing well, with 71 percent of the required land in Davao City acquired through negotiated sale, while the remaining lots are in process and expropriation efforts are underway.

About 88 percent of affected lots on the Davao side and all lots on the Samal side were turned over to the DPWH. About 92 percent of the affected coconut trees and 90 percent of the timber trees were acquired.

The P23.52 billion project is funded through an official development assistance (ODA) loan from China and is part of a broader national effort to enhance connectivity, alleviate traffic congestion and boost regional economic development.

Once completed by 2028, the bridge is expected to improve access to Davao City and Samal Island, driving growth in tourism and economic activity across the region, Sadain said.

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