DPWH: BUCANA BRIDGE NEARS COMPLETION, A SYMBOL OF BILATERAL COOPERATION AND QUALITY INFRASTRUCTURE
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has announced that the 1,340-meter Bucana Bridge Project, which spans the Davao River, is nearing completion and is expected to open to motorists by the last quarter of this year.
In a report to DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan, Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain confirmed that the project is now 94% complete. The entire superstructure has been finished, and only minor works remain, including the installation of traffic barriers and pedestrian railings, painting of the 19.5-meter-high pylons with the first layer already applied, and preparation for the waterproofing and asphalt overlay of the bridge deck.
Simultaneously, construction activities on the approach roads are ongoing. These include the laying and compaction of embankment soil, subbase course preparation, drainage system installation, construction of a concrete fence, and installation of guardrails.
The Bucana Bridge, an integral component of the Davao City Coastal Bypass Road, is being constructed by the DPWH Unified Project Management Office – Bridges Management Cluster (UPMO-BMC), with China Road and Bridge Corporation as the civil works contractor. The bridge will connect the eastern and western coastal areas of the city, which are currently separated by the Davao River.
Senior Undersecretary Sadain, in-charge of DPWH infrastructure flagship projects funded by Official Development Assistance (ODA) noted that as the Bucana Bridge nears its official opening, it stands not only as a vital infrastructure asset for Davao City but also as a symbol of strong bilateral cooperation and the Philippines’ commitment to building resilient, future-ready infrastructure through strategic global partnerships.
Funded through a ₱3.126-billion China Aid Grant program of the Government of the People’s Republic of China, the Bucana Bridge is a landmark achievement of sustained international cooperation and high-quality project implementation.
Also referred to as the China Aid Localized Project for the Davao River Bridge, the Bucana Bridge serves as a critical component of the Davao City Coastal Road Network.
This project supports the “Bagong Pilipinas” vision, which seeks to drive regional development, improve traffic flow, and enhance the quality of life through modernized infrastructure.
Construction of the bridge began in November 2023. Once completed, it will significantly ease traffic congestion in downtown Davao, offering a faster, safer, and more efficient route between Barangays 76-A Bucana and Matina Aplaya.
The bridge features a four-lane, six-span extradosed structure measuring 480 meters, complemented by 860 meters of approach roads. It exemplifies engineering excellence and compliance with international standards.
Senior Undersecretary Sadain conducted an inspection of the project on Friday, August 22, 2025, accompanied by UPMO-BMC Project Director Rodrigo I. Delos Reyes, Project Director Benjamin A. Bautista of the Roads Management Cluster I—which is handling the ongoing Davao City Bypass Road Construction Project—and other key personnel from UPMO Operations.
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