The construction of the PHP4.58 billion Tacloban causeway project that will provide a shorter route from the city’s downtown to the airport has begun with bigger funding this year, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 8 (Eastern Visayas) here reported Thursday.
DPWH-8 Director Edgar Tabacon said the project has an accomplishment rate of 4.28 percent using the PHP880 million under the 2022 appropriations.
For this year, the project has an outlay of PHP1.9 billion.
“The project is now ongoing after we addressed several issues related to its implementation. The work is now focused on stabilizing the embankment before concreting,” Tabacon told reporters.
While civil works have only begun this year, there were preparatory activities made last year, according to the official.
The PHP4.58 billion budget is estimated to cover the construction of the 2.57-km. causeway, including a four-lane road embankment that is designed to serve as a storm surge protection structure.
To ensure the continuous flow of seawater, the DPWH will install five reinforced concrete box culverts and a bridge that spans 360 meters in length.
This follows a consideration of the suggestion from the city council to extend the initially planned 180-meter bridge design.
The DPWH needs PHP785.58 million for 2025 and PHP1 billion for 2026 to fully complete the project.
The causeway will cross Cancabato Bay, starting at the City Hall complex on Magsaysay Boulevard, up to the Kataisan point of the Tacloban Airport in the city’s San Jose District.
Travel time will be reduced to only 10 minutes from the current 45 minutes.
The structure will complement the future new airport terminal building designed to accommodate international flights.
Aside from being an alternative highway, the causeway will also shield communities from destructive waves.
The original plan was to build a tide embankment structure but it was discontinued due to strong opposition from several property owners in the city’s populated coastal communities. By Sarwell Meniano
Article courtesy of the Philippine News Agency
