Zamboanga sibugay: The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) announced on Saturday that construction efforts on the Guicam Bridge Project in Zamboanga Sibugay province are being accelerated.
According to Philippines News Agency, Senior Undersecretary Emil Sadain stated in a DPWH news release that all major foundation works for the bridge have been finalized. This includes the installation of 115 bored piles, comprising 99 offshore piles with a diameter of 2.2 meters and 16 land-based piles with a diameter of 1.2 meters.
The Guicam Bridge project, which has a budget of PHP1.155 billion, is part of the "Build Better More" initiative under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s administration and has achieved 87.9 percent completion. The bridge aims to connect Olutanga Island to the mainland through the municipality of Alicia.
To ensure timely progress, Sadain visited the construction site on Friday, instructing contractors to expedite girder installation and concrete works. Currently, four girders have been launched at Span 1, with the deck slab for this section already finished. Girder fabrication continues, with 40 out of 48 girders completed, and 36 units have been stressed and grouted.
On the Olutanga Island side, Approach B's retaining wall and embankment construction are underway. Concurrently, on the mainland side, Approach A is seeing progress in portland cement concrete pavement and line canal works.
Sadain remarked that this project is a critical part of the Improving Growth Corridors in Mindanao Road Sector Project, which is funded by the Asian Development Bank. The bridge will span the Canalizo Strait, measuring 540.80 meters, and will feature a navigational clearance of 14.80 meters in height and 24.00 meters in width.
Upon completion, the bridge is expected to significantly cut travel time, boost regional logistics, and improve inter-island connectivity, thereby facilitating access to essential services across southwestern Mindanao. This development is anticipated to enhance the quality of life and foster inclusive growth in the region.
