Samal-Davao bridge project gets green light

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) announced that the design and build of the Samal Island-Davao City Connector project are now underway.

The Samal Island-Davao City Connector project

Funded by Official Development Assistance (ODA) from the People’s Republic of China (PRC), the Samal Island-Davao City Connector project will connect the Samal Circumferential Road in Barangay Limao, Island Garden City of Samal to Davao City in between R. Castillo-Daang Maharlika junction.

According to DPWH Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain, the new project is seen to have strengthened the bilateral relations between the Philippines and China, especially after the launching of two China-grant Estrella-Pantaleon and Binondo-Intramuros bridges. Both bridges help reduce the traffic in major thoroughfares in Metro Manila including EDSA.

Another perspective on the project

With an indicative cost of P23.039-billion, the Samal Island-Davao City Connector project is a 3.98-km road that will serve Davaoeños as a toll-free, four-lane road. It is expected to reduce travel time for around 25,000 motorists daily, improving their productivity and spurring economic growth in the area.

The implementation is expected to start this year, while the completion is targeted by 2027. Former San Miguel Corporation Tollways Chief Executive Officer (CEO), now DPWH chief Mr. Manuel M. Bonoan will oversee the development of the connector road in Davao to ensure that it will be delivered on time.

A launching ceremony was held at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Main Office

He was appointed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to lead the government agency earlier this month, vowing to continue various infrastructure projects of the previous administration under the Build Build Build program including the flagship Samal Island-Davao City Connector project.

Another DPWH project that is currently in construction in Davao is the Davao City Bypass Tunnel. It is a 45.5-km project that utilizes tunnels in its road network. Upon completion, the Davao City Bypass Tunnel is expected to reduce travel time between Davao City and Panabo City from one hour and 44 minutes to just 49 minutes.

See the latest road projects at Philkotse.com.