Bataan–Cavite Interlink Bridge

The Bataan–Cavite Interlink Bridge, also known as the Manila Bay Bridge is a proposed bridge which plans to connect the provinces of Bataan and Cavite.

Bataan–Cavite Interlink Bridge
Coordinates14°22′N 120°37′E
CrossesManila Bay
LocaleMariveles, Bataan and Naic, Cavite
Official nameBataan–Cavite Interlink Bridge
Other name(s)Trans Manila Bay Crossing
Manila Bay Bridge
Characteristics
Total length32.15 km (19.98 mi)
Traversable?Yes
History
Construction start2023
Construction cost₱175.7 billion (2020 estimate)
Location

History

Background and prior proposals

Then-Representative Felicito Payumo first proposed the construction of a bridge crossing Manila Bay in 1987, which he named as the Trans Manila Bay Crossing.[1]

As chairman of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), Payumo attempted to realize the Trans Manila Bay Crossing as a bridge–tunnel system in the early 2000s. At least two Japanese firms, Itochu Corp. and NKK presented feasibility studies for the bridge–tunnel link to the SBMA[2] but such plans were never realized.

In 2016, Payumo revived the proposal again, pitching the bridge as means to decongest traffic in Metro Manila and boost the economy. Comparing the proposed bridge to the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line, Payumo has noted that commuters in Cavite and other parts of Southern Luzon do not need to pass through Metro Manila to reach Central Luzon if such bridge would be built.[1]

China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) began its onsite study as preparation for the possible construction of the bridge in late 2017. Its team first visited the coastal towns in Bataan.[3]

Approval

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) approved the bridge project in early 2020 with a budget of ₱175.7 billion. The implementation of the bridge project is projected to last six years.[4]

In October 2020, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) signed a $59 million engineering design contract, awarded to the joint venture of T. Y. Lin International from the US and Korea's Pyunghwa Engineering Consultants Ltd., who are working in tandem with Geneva-based Renardet S.A. and local firm DCCD Engineering Corporation.[5]

As of March 2023, the project's detailed engineering design is already 70% complete, according to DPWH. The construction of the bridge is targeted to start in late 2023.[6]

Specifications
President Bongbong Marcos along with other officials inspecting a model of the bridge in the BCIB milestones ceremony in March 2023

The Bataan–Cavite Interlink Bridge will be 32.15 kilometers (19.98 mi) long and will cross over Manila Bay. The four-lane bridge will connect the towns of Mariveles, Bataan and Naic, Cavite. The bridge will consist of two main navigation bridges.[4]

The starting point will be located in Barangay Alas-asin near the Mariveles Freeport Area, then 2 cable-stayed bridges called the North Channel Bridge (main span of 400 meters) and South Channel Bridge (main span of 900 meters) will be constructed, before terminating in Barangay Timalan Balsahan, Naic, Cavite, with the marine bridges standing in water as deep as 50 meters. The Detailed Design Engineering Phase of the project is expected to last 15 months.[7]

The bridge will need to be high enough to allow large ships to pass under it since Manila Bay is a major shipping route accommodated by the Port of Manila.[3]

References
  1. Orejas, Tonette (October 19, 2016). "Bridge plan across Manila Bay to link Cavite, Bataan". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
  2. Go, Marianne (June 25, 2020). "Cavite-Bataan underwater tunnel proposed". The Philippine Star. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
  3. Supnad, Mar (December 17, 2017). "Chinese team begins Cavite-Corregidor-Bataan coastal bridge study". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
  4. Flora, Ian Ocampo (February 6, 2020). "P175-B mega bridge project to connect CL, Southern Tagalog". Sun Star Pampanga. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
  5. "Engineering Design Contract Awarded for ADB-Supported Bataan–Cavite Bridge Project in the Philippines". Asian Development Bank. October 22, 2020. Retrieved November 29, 2020.
  6. "DPWH: Construction of Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge to start in late 2023". Philippine Daily Inquirer. March 14, 2023. Retrieved March 14, 2023.
  7. "T.Y. Lin International Wins Detailed Design Engineering Bid for Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge in the Philippines". Businesswire. October 27, 2020. Retrieved November 29, 2020.
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