The Department of Public Works (DPWH) is finalizing the preparations for the construction of a multi-billion bridge linking the provinces of Cavite and Bataan across the Manila Bay.
The P219.3-billion Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge (BCIB) which is expected to begin construction next year.
It is among six projects nationwide cleared by President Marcos with a total funding of P269.7 billion that are meant to boost tourism and address gaps in the country’s health care system.
The cable-stayed bridge will be about 32 kilometers long crossing Manila Bay.
Once completed, it is expected to cut travel time between Cavite and Bataan to 45 minutes from five hours at present, DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan said.
For motorists coming from Manila, travel time to Bataan will be cut down to less than two hours from over three hours at present.
The massive road project will have a four-lane, inter-island bridge that will connect Brgy. Alas-asin in Mariveles, Bataan and Brgy. Timalan Concepcion in Naic, Cavite and it will be the longest bridge in the Philippines.
The BCIB will have two navigational bridges: the 400-meter North Channel Bridge and 900-meter South Channel Bridge, which will traverse Corregidor Island. About 80 percent of the structure will be over the sea.
Bonoan said the project will be funded through Official Development Assistance loans from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), with co-financing from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).
Construction is expected to last for 60 months and is scheduled to be completed by the end of the third quarter of 2028.