32.1-km Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge inching closer to reality

Back in early 2020, the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) approved the PHP 187-billion mega project dubbed the Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge (BCIB). Set to span a total of 32.1-km, it will serve to connect the two provinces, as well as cut travel time between southern and central Luzon from 5 hours to just 20 to 30 minutes.

To actually make the project a reality, the DPWH signed a PHP 3 billion detailed engineering design (DED) back in October 2020 for the Bataan-Cavite mega bridge project. Fast forward to September 2022, and the DPWH is making good progress on the DED for the 32.1-km BCIB.

In a recent announcement, the DPWH said that the proposed bridge is inching closer to reality as they are hastening the DED works for the 32.1-km Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge. In his inspection report to DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan, DPWH Interior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain shared that the marine geophysical surveys and geotechnical investigations in evaluating underground conditions and site characterization over the waters of Manila Bay are ongoing with an overall accomplishment of 55% to date.

While the project still has a long way to go, the progress the DPWH and team of DED consultants have been making is proof of the government's commitment to fast-track its construction. Sadain added that checking the geological aspects of the site, surface and subsurface, have to be studied in detail since it will be a major undertaking.

As for the building of the bridge itself, it will see the construction of two cable-stayed navigation bridges on either side of Corregidor Island. Called the North Channel Bridge and South Channel Bridge, the structures will have main spans of 400 meters and 900 meters, respectively.

The vessel Trinity Surveyor has the expertise in services requiring hydrographic surveying marine equipment, and a variety of methods and technical means for carrying out exploratory work to study diverse natural conditions for gathering good quality information. On September 18, 2022, Trinity Surveyor reached the target depth of 125 meters borehole for the South Channel Bridge area.

Alignment for the bridge on the Bataan side will begin on Roman Highway and will traverse at Barangay Alas-Asin, before skirting its way to the shoreline of Barangay Mountain View in Mariveles. Meanwhile, the alignment in Cavite will start at the shoreline of Barangay Timalan Balsahan in Naic, and go through the agricultural and residential area at Antero Soriano Highway which is a relatively flat terrain on Timalan Balsahan and Timalan Concepcion.

With the DPWH looking to complete the DED works for the BCIB in Q1 of 2023, it's all hands on deck for the agency. For now, check out what the all-new bridge will eventually look like once work on it is complete.