Davao City, Philippines — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has announced significant progress in the ongoing construction of the 1.34-kilometer Davao River (Bucana) Bridge, with civil works now more than halfway completed. The project, which began in November 2023, has reached a 53.76% completion rate, with the bridge expected to open to traffic by the end of 2025.
Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain, who led an inspection of the site, reported to DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan that the project is advancing at a steady pace. The progress is being attributed to the dedicated efforts of the DPWH and its contractors in fulfilling the project’s vision of enhancing the national road network in the region.
The Bucana Bridge, a four-lane, six-span extradosed structure, is designed to serve as a critical component of Davao City’s coastal road infrastructure. It will help alleviate congestion by providing an alternative route for vehicles that currently rely on the city’s urban road network. Significant construction milestones have already been achieved, including foundation works, the pouring of pylons for Pier 1, and preparations for the bridge’s superstructure.
The DPWH Unified Project Management Office – Bridges Management Cluster (UPMO-BMC) is overseeing the project, with leadership from Project Director Rodrigo I. Delos Reyes, Acting Project Manager Norifel Teddie G. Cadiang, and Project Engineer John Christian T. Gaden. The bridge is part of the Davao City Coastal Road, which will connect Roxas Avenue to Bago Aplaya.
Funded through a ₱3.126 billion grant from China Aid and executed by the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), the project represents a key infrastructure investment in the city. Once completed, the Bucana Bridge is expected to stimulate new economic opportunities and improve transportation efficiency in Davao City.
During a recent site inspection on October 11, 2024, several DPWH officials were present, including UPMO-BMC Project Director Delos Reyes, UPMO Roads Management Cluster 1 Project Director Benjamin A. Bautista, and Stakeholders Relations Service Director Randy R. Del Rosario. The bridge’s innovative design and strategic location are expected to enhance both the local economy and the quality of life for residents in the region.
The DPWH remains committed to completing the project on time and delivering a state-of-the-art transportation link that will benefit Davao City for years to come.
