Promising Future Awaits Davao City as Civil Works of Bucana Bridge Project Progress
Davao City is on the cusp of a transformative era as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) powers ahead with the construction of the Bucana Bridge, a pivotal component of the Davao City Coastal Bypass Road.
Under the watchful eye of DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan, Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain reported significant advancements in the project's implementation. Collaborating closely with the Unified Project Management Office - Bridges Management Cluster (UPMO-BMC), the construction, led by contractor China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), commenced in November 2023 and is currently focused on the critical bored piling works.
Senior Undersecretary Sadain, overseeing DPWH's infrastructure flagship projects, announced that the modern 1.34-kilometer bridge is slated for completion in 24 months, with an expected opening to traffic in the first quarter of 2026. Once operational, it is projected to accommodate approximately 35,000 vehicles daily, effectively easing east-west traffic congestion along Davao City's coastal areas.
During an inspection conducted on April 5, 2024, Senior Undersecretary Sadain, along with key officials including UPMO-BMC Project Director Rodrigo I. Delos Reyes, observed the ongoing construction of the four-lane, six-span extradosed bridge and approach roads situated at the Davao River estuary. Also present were other officials, including UPMO - Roads Management Cluster 1 (Bilateral) Project Director Benjamin A. Bautista.
The Bucana Bridge, part of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s Build Better More agenda, is poised to be a landmark infrastructure project under the Bagong Pilipinas governance. Spanning 480 meters with embankment roads, the bridge is designed to accommodate bidirectional four-lane traffic, featuring innovative structural elements and modern safety measures.
Despite inevitable challenges, DPWH, led by Project Manager Norifel Teddie G. Cadiang and Project Engineer John Christian T. Gaden, remains committed to ensuring transparency and accountability in delivering high-quality infrastructure. Moreover, the project, funded by the Government of the People’s Republic of China (GPRC), is providing significant local employment opportunities, with 83% of workers being Filipinos.
Upon completion, the Bucana Bridge is expected to complement the Davao City Coastal Road, offering an alternative route to alleviate traffic congestion and spur economic growth and tourism in Davao City. As construction progresses, anticipation builds for a brighter future for Davao City, propelled by enhanced connectivity and sustainable development initiatives.