The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is accelerating the construction of the Bucana Bridge Project, a 1.34-kilometer, four (4)-lane, six (6)-span structure expected to significantly ease traffic congestion in Davao City.
DPWH Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain reported to Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan that the project, also known as the Davao River Bridge Project, is now nearly 80% complete.
Implemented by the Unified Project Management Office – Bridges Management Cluster (UPMO-BMC), the P3.126-billion bridge project is designed to accommodate around 35,000 vehicles daily once operational.
On April 11, 2025, Senior Undersecretary Sadain inspected the project alongside UPMO-BMC Project Director Rodrigo I. Delos Reyes, UPMO Roads Management Cluster I Project Director Benjamin A. Bautista, and Stakeholders Relations Service Director Randy R. Del Rosario.
Funded by an Official Development Assistance (ODA) grant from the Government of the People’s Republic of China, the Bucana Bridge is part of the Davao City Coastal Road network.
This new route is expected to divert traffic from congested urban roads and provide an efficient east-west connection across the city.
Now gearing its preparations to the full connection of the entire superstructure of its 480.20 meters extradosed bridge, the installation of 10 stay cables at Pier 2 which will essentially support the bridge deck was recently completed while concrete pouring of segmental box girders, and stressing of cables in other piers are progressing.
These milestones have been achieved just 16 months since the project began in November 2023.
“The recent developments of the project demonstrate the unparalleled hard work and commitment of DPWH Bucana project team through the supervision DPWH UPMO Acting Project Manager Norifel Teddie G. Cadiang and Project Engineer John Christian T. Gaden and the contractor China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) to ensure swift and timely completion of the project before the end of this year 2025,” said Senior Undersecretary Sadain.
Nonetheless, the DPWH official reminded the construction team of the importance of maintaining high standards throughout the remaining phases of construction to ensure structural integrity.
The Bucana Bridge is a flagship project under the Build Better More program of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s administration. It aims to boost infrastructure development across the country while improving the quality of life through safe, resilient, and efficient public works.
“Expected to be fully operational by November 2025, the bridge will enhance connectivity across Davao City’s coastal areas. It is poised to become a vital infrastructure landmark in Mindanao, driving regional economic growth, improving agricultural logistics, and supporting tourism and access to essential services”, Senior Undersecretary Sadain added.
