Pre-feasibility studies to finish by yearend

Proposed new bridges

CEBU, Philippines — The pre-feasibility studies on the proposed link bridges in Central Visayas are expected to be done by the end of the year.

These projects include the link bridges for Cebu-Bohol and Cebu-Negros, which have a timeline between 2020 and 2026, said Department of Public Works and Highways Undersecretary Emil Sadain.

The Cebu-Bohol inter-island bridge project is composed of five inter-island link bridges with a total length of 24.5 km between the two islands.

The project is estimated to cost around P600 billion, Sadain said.

Meanwhile, the Negros-Cebu inter-island bridge involves the construction of a 5.5-km link bridge between the two island provinces.

The link bridge project is estimated to cost around P150 billion and projected to be completed in six years.

Sadain said that if the two big-ticket bridge projects are realized, they will support sustainable economic growth, improve the efficiency in the exchange of goods and services in the countryside, and boost economic and social development

They will also enhance economic productivity in Central Visayas, he said.

It was in November last year when the Asian Development Bank signed loan grants for the Infrastructure Preparation and Innovation Facility (IPIF) of the two projects.

IPIF will accelerate progress in infrastructure delivery for inclusive and sustainable socioeconomic development. It provides support to DPWH in the management and oversight of project planning and preparation of road and bridge projects.

Sadain said the consultancy contract for Ove Arup & Partners Hong Kong Ltd. for the two bridge projects was approved officially last March 28.

Identification and planning to determine the overall potential viability of the project was conducted from April to July 2018.

The Cebu-Negros and Cebu-Bohol bridge projects shall be extremely long-span bridges with deep water foundations -- 140meters and 160 meters, respectively -- that are beyond world record and beyond current proven technology, he said. (FREEMAN)