The construction of the Samal Island-Davao City (SIDC) Connector Project, which broke ground on Thursday, is expected to commence in February next year.
The ‘Dream Bridge’ is set to be operational by 2027, according to an official of the project contractor China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC).
In an interview, Yuan Xiao Cong, project manager of CRBC, said currently they are doing the soil sampling and geotechnical survey for the project.
“You can see in the middle of the sea (Pakiputan Strait) we already started and also started geotechnical and design of the foundation. Based on schedule about February next year we will start the construction,” Cong said during the groundbreaking ceremony.
He also said that the completion of the bridge, if will include the start of the implementation of the design and build contract on September 1, 2022, which means the target completion for the multi-billion-peso bridge project will be 60 months.
The bridge has a width of 24 meters and a vertical navigation clearance of up to 47 meters. Envisioned as a 3.98-kilometer, 4-lane bridge that will link Samal Island to Davao City, SIDC will cross over Pakiputan Strait, supported by two pylons with a height of 73 meters.
When completed, SIDC is seen to facilitate the economic advancement of the Davao Region, and further boost the tourism potential of IGaCoS, known for its pristine beaches.
“The people of Davao have been dreaming of the bridge since long time ago. Thanks to the care and support of the leaders of our two countries, the construction of this flagship project are initiated today. It reflects China’s commitment to the Build Better More Program of the Philippine government, and marks a significant milestone of the bilateral cooperation,” said Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian in his message during the groundbreaking.
He also mentioned that according to the framework agreement, China will provide a concessional loan of $350 million for the construction of the bridge, to facilitate residents’ travel, promote the development of Samal island and enhance the sustainable development of Davao city and surrounding regions.
“The bridge will be, as we believe, a new passage to a better livelihood of the local people, a new landmark of the region of Davao, and a new milestone of the China-Philippines friendship,” he said.
