Davao city: The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on Monday announced that the construction works for the Davao River Bridge, also known as the Bucana Bridge, is nearing completion. DPWH Senior Undersecretary Emil Sadain stated that the bridge's progress rate is currently at 99.2 percent.

According to Philippines News Agency, the remaining minor works for the bridge, expected to be completed by the end of November, include pavement markings at Approach Road 1, sidewalks and fencing, and final installation of electrical components and system connections. Sadain emphasized the focus on expediting these final requirements to ensure the bridge can be safely opened to the public, prioritizing quality, safety standards, and structural integrity.

Sadain, along with other DPWH officials, conducted an inspection of the bridge on November 19. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has instructed the department to hasten the construction of the Bucana Bridge, which is anticipated to alleviate traffic congestion and enhance connectivity between the eastern and western coastal regions of Davao City.

The PHP3.1-billion Davao River Bridge is funded through China's official development assistance (ODA). The bridge is a four-lane, six-span extradosed structure stretching 480.20 meters, including 1,340 meters of approach roads. It is expected to open once DPWH Regional Office 11 completes the asphalt road to Quezon Boulevard next month, which will serve as the main access route for motorists traveling to and from the Bucana Bridge and the Davao City Coastal Road.