The Philippines is set to see a revolutionary change in inter-province travel with the Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge expected to drastically reduce journey times across Manila Bay.
Costing a hefty £2.8 billion ($3.6 billion), this state-of-the-art cable-stayed bridge will slash travel time from Bataan to Cavite, which currently takes about five hours, down to an incredibly short 40 minutes. The move aims to create a strategic link between these provinces while easing the notorious traffic of Metro Manila.
It's all happening under the guiding hand of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), which is undertaking this ambitious project as a part of its "Build, Build, Build" programa government initiative designed to spur economic growth by pouring investments into major public infrastructure projects.
The green light was first given by the National Economic Development Authority Board back in January 2020, leading to construction kicking off in November 2020. They're looking at wrapping up the project by January 2022.
When completed, the Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge will set a record as the longest bridge in the country, stretching nearly 20 miles.
Thoughtfully planned to complement the natural surroundings and Manila's own distinctive cityscape, the bridge will feature two impressive cable-stayed navigation bridgesthe North Channel Bridge with a main span of 400 meters, and the longer South Channel Bridge, boasting a main span of 900 meters.
Support for the bridge over water depths that reach around 50 meters will include land and marine viaducts along with a range of supporting structures.
The huge bridge's entry point is located at Barangay Alas-asin in Mariveles, Bataan, makes its way gracefully over Manila Bay, and concludes its stretch at Barangay Timalan in Naic, Cavite.
The design includes two lanes in each direction and a unique tunnel through Corregidor Island, which will serve as a stopover for a high-speed train.
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This monumental project is set to revolutionise regional economies by enhancing connectivity between Central Luzon and Southern Tagalog regions.
It's expected to open up new economic opportunities, create jobs, and potentially stimulate the development of new seaports in Cavite and Bataan, which could emerge as significant international shipping gateways.
In addition to alleviating traffic on the North Luzon Expressway, the bridge is anticipated to facilitate economic expansion beyond Metro Manila, positioning it as a key catalyst for regional growth.
By significantly reducing travel times and easing congestion, it's poised to become an essential transportation corridor that will fuel economic growth and development for years to come.
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