The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) announced significant progress on the construction of the 1.34-kilometer Davao River (Bucana Bridge), with the overall completion rate now standing at over 73%. The bridge is slated for completion by the third quarter of 2025.
During a site inspection on January 27, 2025, Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain, accompanied by Project Director Rodrigo I. Delos Reyes of the Bridges Management Cluster-Unified Project Management Office (BMC-UPMO), observed substantial advancements in the project. Current construction efforts are focused on the bridge’s superstructure.
The inspection team also included UPMO Roads Management Cluster 1 Project Director Benjamin A. Bautista, Stakeholders Relations Service Director Randy R. Del Rosario, and UPMO Project Manager Joweto V. Tulaylay. The Bucana Bridge, once completed, will connect the eastern and western coastal areas of Davao City, serving as a vital alternate route to ease traffic congestion in the city center and enhance access to key areas across the metropolis.
Senior Undersecretary Sadain provided an update to DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan, highlighting that the DPWH BMC-UPMO Bucana Bridge Project Team, led by Acting Project Manager Norifel Teddie G. Cadiang and Project Engineer John Christian T. Gaden, is working to accelerate construction efforts. The goal is to complete the project ahead of schedule by November 2025, 24 months after the issuance of the notice to proceed to contractor China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC).
“Although recent rains in Mindanao have posed some challenges, we are confident that the Bucana Bridge will be finished ahead of schedule. Our project engineers and the contractor are committed to expediting the work,” said Senior Undersecretary Sadain.
The Bucana Bridge is a state-of-the-art, four-lane, six-span extradosed bridge with advanced structural features, designed to complement the Davao City Coastal Road. It is expected to significantly improve mobility and connectivity within the greater Davao area. With a total contract cost of ₱3.126 billion, the project is funded under a China Aid Grant supplemented by Philippine government financing. The design also incorporates navigational clearances to ensure the smooth passage of maritime traffic along the Davao River.
Upon completion, the Bucana Bridge will accommodate up to 35,000 vehicles daily, improving traffic flow and reducing congestion in Davao City’s coastal areas. This infrastructure project is set to transform transportation in Davao City, marking a major milestone in the city’s development.