The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has announced that it is accelerating the construction of the Samal Island-Davao City (SIDC) Connector Project.
The SIDC Project, spanning 4.76 kilometers and with an estimated cost of P23.52 billion, is a four-lane bridge designed to establish a vital transportation link between Davao City and the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS).
In an inspection report submitted to DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan, Senior Undersecretary Emil Sadain highlighted that the project’s overall physical progress currently exceeds 12 percent. Construction efforts are primarily focused on the bridge’s foundation and substructure.
Sadain emphasized the importance of rigorous quality control measures to ensure the structural integrity and long-term safety of this flagship inter-island bridge. He noted a significant milestone achieved on April 11, 2025, when the first bi-directional static load test for an offshore pile on the IGaCoS side was conducted.
“This critical procedure, which involves a load cell installed within a reinforced cage, is essential for verifying the strength and safety of deep foundation elements,” Sadain explained.
Substantial progress has also been reported in structural works. All 74 bored piles for the east land viaduct on the Samal side are complete, while 73 out of 110 bored piles for the west land viaduct (Davao City side) have been poured. Four of 26 columns, each standing 10 meters high, have been cast, and 48 bored piles for the navigation bridge (on both the Samal and Davao sides) have been completed.
To ensure maritime safety, Sadain highlighted the installation of four registered navigational buoys offshore, in coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard. He also reported that work on the bridge ramps is progressing, with 40 of 133 bored piles already poured.
Additionally, preparatory activities for road widening along Daang Maharlika have commenced. These include the relocation of electric poles, fencing installation, and the clearing of existing structures and obstructions.
Sadain also announced that land acquisition is advancing steadily, with 83 percent of the required properties acquired and only a few remaining under processing.
Once completed, the SIDC will feature a four-lane extradosed bridge with a 530-meter main span. It will also include a 570-meter land viaduct on the Davao side, a 395-meter viaduct on the Samal side, marine viaducts measuring 350 meters (west) and 510 meters (east), and ramps connecting to the R. Castillo–Daang Maharlika junction in Davao City. On the Samal side, it will connect to a 24-meter-wide at-grade road with a roundabout located in Barangay Limao in IGaCoS.
