Visayas inter-island bridge project eyed

Panay Island, Guimaras Island, and Negros may soon be linked by bridges if an ambitious project being eyed by a Chinese firm pushes through.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) Highway Consulatants Co. Ltd. are currently drafting the minutes of discussion (MOD) for the pre-feasibility study of the project.

The agency recently met with the Chinese stakeholders in Iloilo to discuss various details and concerns on the proposed Iloilo-Guimaras-Negros Bridge, DPWH Western Visayas Director Wenceslao Leaño Jr. said.

Leaño added that the feasibility study will be funded by the Chinese government.

“The Chinese team will be gathering significant detailed information on road network and ocean areas particularly in potential sites for bridge construction and all the details necessary for them to have deeper technical engineering consideration,” Leaño said.

Both parties agreed to meet with the local government unit officials of Iloilo City, Leganes and Zarraga.