Bridge over Pangil Bay to be completed by next year

The 7.4 billion peso bridge across Panguil Bay is expected to be completed by the first half of 2024, a senior official from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said.

DPWH Deputy Minister Emil Sadaine said the project is 63 percent complete and construction has begun on the top plates of the bridge at both ends at Tanguba, Misamis West and Tubod, Lanao del Norte.

He also added that the drilling work on the 3.17-kilometer structure, which will someday be built, will be the longest water bridge in the Philippines.

“By working around the clock and continuing to improve the formulated measures to make up for the delays caused by the previous suspension of operations due to the Covid-19 pandemic from March 16 to July 2020, we will be able to complete the project to achieve the goal of first traffic on the bridge by the first half of 2024.” Sadein said.

Contractor Namkwang Engineering & Construction Corp., which has a joint venture with Kukdong Engineering & Construction Co. Ltd. and Gumgwang Construction Co. Ltd. was asked to increase the pace.

The flagship infrastructure project aims to get to and from Tangub and Tubod in just seven minutes.

Currently, using a rollerboat from Ozamis City/Tangub City or Tuboda means a journey time of one and a half to two and a half hours, including loading and unloading. A trip along the circumferential land route with a length of about 100 kilometers will take from two to 2.5 hours.

The project, funded by a loan agreement between the Philippines and the Korea Export-Import Bank, is expected to increase Mindanao’s transport capacity and efficiency, and boost the socio-economic development of the island.

The design and construction of the Panguil Bay Bridge is part of DPWH’s program to improve communications between islands across the country.