THE DEPARTMENT of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said the 4.76-kilometer Samal Island-Davao City Connector (SIDC) project is making steady progress, with the overall physical accomplishment at 11.87% complete and a positive slippage of 4.35%.
The P23-billion SIDC Project will link Davao City and Samal Island with a four-lane extradosed bridge.
In a statement released by DPWH on Jan. 29, DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan said the bridge’s foundation works are “advancing as planned,” and the SIDC project is on track to meet its completion deadline by September 2028.
Sadain, who inspected the site with Senior Usec. Emil K. Sadain, said the construction management “has been adhering to the importance of safety protocols, as piling works are underway at the Pakiputan Strait, an area with active marine traffic, while land viaduct construction is intensifying.”
The report also said the project team assured the China Road and Bridges Corporation, the design-and-build contractor, are diligently following safety measures to protect workers and passing vessels, adding that environmental precautions are also a priority to mitigate any adverse impacts on the surrounding areas, with careful handling of equipment and materials.
“As of now, 73 out of 110 piles for the land viaduct on the Davao City side have been completed, while all 74 piles for the Samal Island side land viaduct are finished. For the navigation bridge, 13 piles have been completed on the Davao side, and 11 piles have been completed on the Samal side,” the report added.
Additionally, DPWH said the works on the R. Castillo approach ramp has started, with 7.5% of the 133 bored piling already finished; land acquisition for the project also progressing with 71% of the required land in Davao City acquired through negotiated sale, while the remaining lots are in process and expropriation efforts are underway; 88% of affected lots on the Davao side and all lots on the Samal side have been turned over to the DPWH; and 92% of the affected coconut trees and 90% of the timber trees have been acquired.
The SIDC project is funded through an Official Development Assistance loan from China and is part of a national effort to enhance connectivity, alleviate traffic congestion, and boost regional economic development in the region.
The project will feature two lanes in each direction, as well as ramps, roundabouts, and both marine and land viaducts. The bridge will have a 275-meter main span, two pylons standing 73 meters above sea level, and a 1.62-kilometer marine crossing.
File Photo: Bing Gonzales
