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BATAAN-CAVITE INTERLINK BRIDGE
In the Philippines, the Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge (BCIB) is nearing a construction start on a sprawling bridge and viaduct project that will link the provinces of Bataan and Cavite across Manila Bay. It is part of a stated effort by the government to improve travel times and regional accessibility. The scheme, commissioned by the Philippines’ Department of Public Works and Highway (DPWH), is expected to cost US$3.9 billion.
The project includes erection of a 32.15km long (19.98 mile), four-lane, cable-stayed bridge that will connect Barangay Alas-asin in Mariveles, Bataan, and Barangay Timalan, Naic, Cavite.
Additional works include installation of three navigation bridges (North Channel Bridge, South Channel Bridge and Nearshore Navigation Bridge) as well as roadways and marine viaducts. The two cable-stayed bridges, North Channel Bridge (main span of 400m) and South Channel Bridge (main span of 900m), will be constructed with the marine bridges standing in water as deep as 50m. When completed, it will be the Philippines’ longest bridge and one of the world’s longest marine viaducts.
Officials hope the infrastructure will reduce travel time between Bataan and Cavite from five hours to approximately 30 minutes or less, according to one of the project designers. Once finished, the bridge network is expected to help ease congestion in Metro Manila and facilitate economic development in the surrounding regions.
Engineering and design contracts were awarded to US-based T.Y. Lin International (TYLin) and Pyunghwa Engineering Consultants of South Korea. They are collaborating with Switzerland-based Renardet and the Philippines-based DCCD Engineering Corporation.
As of print time, two of six anticipated contracts have been released for bidding, including Contract Package 1, which involves construction of the Bataan Land Approach, covering around 7,000m of the mainline highway, including seven bridge and viaduct structures, along with slip roads and ramps. Contract Package 2 focuses on the construction of the Cavite Land Approach. This is a build-out for a network of roads, bridges, and interchanges that will connect the main bridge to the existing road network in Cavite province.
General construction is expected to begin in earlyto mid-2025. The DPWN stated that the bridge could be open as early as 2030. iC
Renders of the future Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge
IMAGES: TYLINK
What is it? Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge
Where is it? Bataan and Cavite, Philippines
Cost: $3.9 billion Project completion: 2030
Designers & engineers: TYLin, Pyunghwa, Renardet, DCCD
Contractor: Accepting bids as of print time
Did you know? Bataan and Cavite provinces have an important place in the country’s history as it relates to the Philippine Revolution against Spanish and American colonial rule. Bataan was among the first provinces to revolt against Spanish occupation and Cavite is said to be the birthplace of the first Philippine Republic.