The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is expediting the construction of the Guicam Bridge Project in Zamboanga Sibugay province.

The P1.155-billion Guicam Bridge project, under the "Build Better More" of the President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. administration, has reached 87.9 percent completion. 

Senior Undersecretary Emil Sadain said in a DPWH news release that all major foundation works have been completed, including the installation of 115 bored piles -- 99 offshore piles (2.2 meters in diameter) and 16 land-based piles (1.2 meters in diameter).

It will link Olutanga Island to the mainland through the municipality of Alicia.  

Sadain, who oversees DPWH’s flagship infrastructure projects, visited the site Friday. He directed the contractors to intensify girder installation and concrete works.

To date, four girders have been successfully launched at Span 1 (abutment A to Pier 1), with the corresponding deck slab already completed. Girder fabrication is also progressing well, with 40 of 48 girders completed, and 36 units stressed and grouted.

On Approach B (Olutanga Island side), retaining wall and embankment construction is ongoing. Simultaneously, portland cement concrete pavement and line canal works are progressing on Approach A (mainland side).

Sadain said the project is a key component of the Improving Growth Corridors in Mindanao Road Sector Project financed by the Asian Development Bank.

The bridge, which spans the Canalizo Strait, will stretch 540.80 meters and includes a navigational clearance of 14.80 meters in height and 24.00 meters in width.

“Once completed, the bridge is expected to significantly reduce travel time, enhance regional logistics, and strengthen inter-island connectivity and access to essential services across southwestern Mindanao, contributing to an improved quality of life and driving inclusive growth,” Sadain said. 

DPWH PHOTO