THE P7.4-billion Panguil Bay Bridge project is on track to be operational in September, according to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
Last week, DPWH senior undersecretary Emil Sadain, along with key officials from the Unified Project Management Office (UPMO) Operations, conducted an on-site inspection to ensure that Mindanao’s longest bridge is on track to be completed in time for the inauguration set in September.
The detailed design and civil works for the 3.17-kilometer bridge, connecting Tangub City in Misamis Occidental and Tubod in Lanao del Norte, is more than 97.5 percent complete, said Sadain.
Once the bridge is operational, travel time between Tangub City and Tubod will be significantly reduced from two and a half hours as this route relies on roll-on/roll-off vessels, to just seven minutes by land.
DPWH said the team is closely monitoring the progress of crucial finishing activities, with a focus on the application of waterproofing and asphalt paving, expansion joint works, implementation of aesthetic and electrical lighting systems, line markings and the installation of road signage.
In addition to reviewing the physical aspects of the project, the team engaged with the design and build contractor Namkwang Engineering & Construction Corp., along with the project consultant Yooshin Engineering Corp., to discuss the final phases of activities for the upcoming inauguration of the project and any necessary last-minute adjustments to ensure the bridge’s timely completion, DPWH said.
The Panguil Bay Bridge is anticipated to be a transformative project for local transportation and economic activities, said Sadain.
Upon completion, the project is expected to spur development and improve the quality of life for residents in both provinces.
DPWH said it is working to ensure the project is ready for public use next month.
The opening of the bridge will mark a significant milestone in the government’s Build Better More infrastructure program, aimed at enhancing connectivity and driving economic growth under Bagong Pilipinas, it added.
The project, implemented by DPWH UPMO Roads Management Cluster II (Multilateral), is financed through a loan agreement between the governments of the Philippines and the Republic of Korea, facilitated by the Korea Export-Import Bank under the Economic Development Cooperation Fund loan agreement.
