The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on Saturday said it is expediting the construction of the Guicam Bridge Project in Zamboanga Sibugay province.
Senior Undersecretary Emil Sadain said in a DPWH news release that all major foundation works have been completed, including the installation of 115 bored piles—99 offshore piles measuring 2.2 meters in diameter and 16 land-based piles measuring 1.2 meters in diameter.
The P1.155-billion Guicam Bridge, part of the Build Better More program of the Marcos administration, has reached 87.9 percent completion. It will link Olutanga Island to the mainland through the municipality of Alicia.
Sadain, who oversees DPWH’s flagship infrastructure projects, visited the site Friday and directed contractors to intensify girder installation and concrete works.
To date, four girders have been successfully launched at Span 1, with the corresponding deck slab already completed. Girder fabrication is progressing, with 40 out of 48 girders finished and 36 units stressed and grouted.
On Approach B (Olutanga Island side), retaining wall and embankment construction is ongoing. At the same time, portland cement concrete pavement and line canal works are underway on Approach A (mainland side).
Sadain said the bridge, which spans the Canalizo Strait, will measure 540.80 meters long and provide a navigational clearance of 14.80 meters in height and 24 meters in width. Once completed, it is expected to significantly reduce travel time, improve logistics, and strengthen connectivity across southwestern Mindanao.