Construction of Samaldavao bridge to start soon

SAMAL ISLAND– The P23-billion bridge connecting Davao del Norte’s the Island Garden City of Samal to Davao City is set to begin, according to Philippine government officials.

The project is the first loan agreement of the Philippines and China for an infrastructure project under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

The Samal Island-davao City Connector Project is envisioned as a modern bridge crossing over the Pakiputan Strait. It has a width of 24 meters and a vertical navigational clearance up to 47 meters and will also be supported by two pylons with a height of 73 meters, according to the DPWH.

On July 6, Filipino and Chinese government officials launched the bridge project at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). The scale model of the 3.98 kilometers Samal Island-davao City Connector Project was formally unveiled by visiting Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi; Ambassador Huang Xilian, DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo; and DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan and his Undersecretary Emil Sadain.

The event was also highlighted by the unveiling of a commemorative plaque for Samal Island-davao City Connector Project.

Bonoan said the construction of a toll-free, four-lane bridge is good news to commuters and motorists in Davao region because it will mean faster travel time, less traffic gridlock. And once completed in 2027, it would benefit thousands of people as it will only take five minutes to cross the bridge.

Sadain said the bilateral relations between the Philippines and China have significantly grown especially with the completion of the two China-grant bridges namely Estrella-pantaleon and Binondo-intramuros Bridges which have become a landmark tourist attraction because of their aesthetic and iconic design. (Mindanao Examiner)