Urgent Bridges Construction Project Begins Nationwide Study
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has initiated a 24-month feasibility study under the Urgent Bridges Construction Project, targeting 25 priority bridges across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. This Urgent Bridges Construction Project aims to enhance regional connectivity and foster inclusive growth throughout the country.
According to local officials, the study covers a combined bridge length of 18.78 kilometers. DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan, through Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain, highlighted that this initiative aligns with the broader government push to boost transport efficiency and economic activity while strengthening communities’ disaster resilience.
Scope and Funding of the Urgent Bridges Construction Project
The project, under Phase II of the Urgent Bridges Construction Project for Rural Development (UBCPRD), officially commenced with a kick-off meeting on June 3. Consulting services are set to start on June 7, led by a consortium headed by SMEC International Pty Ltd., in cooperation with the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
Funded by ADB Loan No. 3886–PHI, the P694.44-million project focuses on preparing detailed engineering designs for future bridge construction, particularly in remote and underserved areas. The goal is to connect isolated communities and facilitate smoother transportation across regions.
Bridges Across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao
Out of the 25 bridges, 10 are located in Luzon, six in the Visayas, and nine in Mindanao. These structures will showcase various engineering designs such as pre-stressed concrete girder, cable-stayed, arch, extradosed, steel truss, and arch truss bridges.
Pre-stressed concrete girder bridges include Bacarra Bridge (parallel) in Ilocos Norte; Quirino Bridge (parallel) in Ilocos Sur; Kalabaza-Villa Fugu Bridge and Lalog Bridge in Isabela; Alag Malaki Bridge (parallel) in Oriental Mindoro; Malitubog Bridge and Simuay Bridge in Maguindanao; and Talacogon Steel Bridge in Agusan del Sur.
Cable-stayed bridges are planned for Buntun Bridge and Enrile Bridge in Cagayan; New Mancatian Bridge along the Angeles–Porac–Floridablanca–Dinalupihan Road in Central Luzon; Daram–Talalora Bridge on Daram Island in Samar; and Wawa Bridge in Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur.
Iconic Arch and Other Structural Designs
Several iconic arch bridges are also included, such as the Amnay Bridge in Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro; Araneta Bridge (new) in Bago City, Negros Occidental; Biliran Bridge (parallel) and Baliacao Bridge (parallel) in Eastern Visayas; Layog Bridge (parallel) in Mahaplag, Leyte; Calbiga Bridge in Samar; and Tamontaka Bridge in Cotabato City.
The Manguisoc Bridge in Mercedes, Camarines Norte, stands out as the only extradosed bridge in the project. Meanwhile, the new Butuan Bridge in Agusan del Norte will feature a steel truss design.
Completing the list are three arch truss bridges: Quezon Bridge in Dipolog City, Disakan Bridge 2 (new) in Sindangan, and Ingin Bridge in Manukan, all located in Zamboanga del Norte.
Impact and Vision for the Future
Senior Undersecretary Sadain emphasized that the study and subsequent bridge construction will not only improve transport efficiency but also invigorate local economies and increase resilience against natural disasters. This falls under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s national infrastructure agenda, aiming for balanced regional development.
Local leaders noted, “These bridges will open up opportunities for trade, travel, and cultural exchange among our communities.” The project promises to bring lasting benefits by connecting once isolated areas and making travel safer and faster.
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