The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) announced that construction for the Davao River Bridge, commonly known as the Bucana Bridge, has reached an impressive 99.2% completion rate, positioning the crucial infrastructure project for a public opening by December 2025.
The near-completion status follows the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to expedite the project. The new four-lane bridge is a vital component in improving connectivity and significantly easing chronic traffic congestion between the eastern and western coastal areas of Davao City.
Senior Undersecretary Emil Sadain confirmed the rapid progress following a November 19 inspection. He noted that the remaining tasks are minor and primarily involve safety and aesthetic finishing, with the final works scheduled for completion by the end of November.
“We are expediting the completion of the bridge’s final requirements so it can be safely opened to the public. Our priority is to deliver this bridge with the highest level of quality, safety standards, and structural integrity,” Senior Usec. Sadain stated.
Remaining works include pavement markings on Approach Road 1, installation of sidewalks and fencing, and the final connection and testing of the electrical components and system.
A flagship infrastructure initiative, the ₱3.1 billion Davao River Bridge is funded by China’s Official Development Assistance (ODA). The structure is a four-lane, six-span extradosed bridge stretching 480.20 meters, supplemented by 1,340 meters of approach roads.
The bridge’s official opening is contingent upon the completion of the complementary access infrastructure. The DPWH Regional Office 11 is currently fast-tracking the final asphalt road leading to Quezon Boulevard, which will serve as the main route for motorists connecting the Bucana Bridge to the Davao City Coastal Road. This final access route is slated for completion by December 2025, paving the way for the bridge’s immediate operational debut.
