The highly anticipated modern scenic bridge project, implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), connecting the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS) and Davao City, has made significant strides in both design and construction.
In his inspection report to DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan, Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain highlighted that the ongoing bored piling works for the land viaduct structure of the Samal Island-Davao City Connector (SIDC) Project, which began in May 2024, are progressing well.
To date, 42 out of the 72 bored piles in Samal side have been completed, while in Davao City side, 23 out of 72 were finished.
Meanwhile, the Detailed Engineering Design (DED) phase is nearing completion at 94.41%, which comprise the approval of the design plans for substructure and superstructure of the land viaduct, marine viaduct, and navigation bridge.
According to Senior Undersecretary Sadain, despite encountered challenges and legal issues in the project implementation, the DPWH is taking proactive measures to ensure that issues are promptly addressed. This approach aims to keep civil works on schedule, avoiding delays and adhering to the project timeline.
“We are closely coordinating and monitoring every detail of progress in this project, as we aim to open this bridge to traffic within the term of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. This bridge will serve as one of the pioneering modern transportation infrastructures in Mindanao, enhancing economic growth, connectivity, and access to essential services and activities in IGaCoS and the Davao Region,” said Senior Undersecretary Sadain.
Also present at the site inspection on July 19, 2024 were DPWH Unified Project Management Office - Bridges Management Cluster (UPMO - BMC) Project Director Rodrigo I. Delos Reyes, UPMO Roads Management Cluster I Project Director Benjamin A. Bautista, Project Manager Joweto V. Tulaylay, and Project Engineer John Christian T. Gaden.
With an estimated total cost of ₱23.52 billion, the SIDC Project is funded through Official Development Assistance (ODA) under the Government of China’s concessional loan.
The SIDC Project features a four-lane (two lanes each direction) extradosed bridge with a total length of 4.01 kilometers, a main span of 275 meters, and a vertical navigation clearance of 47 meters across the Pakiputan Strait. The marine crossing is approximately 1.62 kilometers long with a seabed depth of 40 meters, supported by two pylons standing 73 meters above sea level.
Once completed, this iconic bridge will provide a resilient and reliable transportation link between IGaCoS and Davao City, instrumental in spurring economic growth and development in the Southern Philippines.
