The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said it is ramping up the construction of the P1.155-billion Guicam bridge in Zamboanga Sibugay province to complete the project this year.
In a statement on Saturday, Public Works and Highways Senior Uundersecretary Emil Sadain said the launch of four pre-stressed concrete girders for the inter-island bridge will significantly improve the link between Olutanga Island and the mainland in Alicia, Zamboanga Sibugay.
Other significant progress on the bridge’s construction are the completion of all 115 bored piles, the fabrication of 33 out of 48 girders, the completion of abutment B and the construction of seven out of 11 piers.
This development marks a major step toward the completion of the bridge this year, Sadain said, adding it will strengthen the connectivity between Olutanga Island and the rest of Zamboanga Sibugay to improve mobility, commerce and accessibility for residents and businesses.
The Guicam bridge, which spans 540.80 meters by 6.70 meters, features a 389.60-meter concrete pavement approach road on the mainland and a 277.62-meter approach road on Olutanga Island.
The bridge is part of the Improving Growth Corridors in Mindanao road sector project funded by the Asian Development Bank Loan No. 3631-PHI, the project under the Build Better More program.
By connecting Olutanga Island with the rest of Mindanao, the bridge is expected to benefit the agriculture and fisheries sectors by providing a more efficient access to markets and resources.
Completing the bridge project is in line with the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Bagong Pilipinas goal of connecting islands and isolated areas to stimulate growth and development.
