MARIVELES, Bataan — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. underscored the long-term benefits and opportunities brought about by the Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge (BCIB) to the country.
With four lanes and a length of 32.15 kilometers, the P175.6-billion infrastructure project stretches from Mariveles, Bataan to Naic, Cavite.
It also includes construction of interchanges with the existing road network, local existing junction improvements, land and marine viaducts, approach bridges over marine area, turnaround facility near Corregidor Island, and special span bridge near Cavite Coast.
In his speech during the milestones Ceremony, Marcos expressed his enthusiasm for the rippling effects of the infrastructure to the people, economy and the country.
“If this bridge is any indication of what comes next, then I should not be the only one who looks forward to the future with great optimism. One does not need to be well-versed in construction and engineering to realize the magnitude of this endeavor. It is an enormously difficult and complex plan that we will have to constantly commit to achieving, which are, of course, [for] great benefits that Filipinos will enjoy,” Marcos said.
He cited that once finished, the soon-to-be longest bridge in the country will shorten the Bataan to Cavite [vice-versa] travel time from the usual five hours of drive to approximately 45 minutes.
The President likewise mentioned the positive impact of the bridge on the prices of services and commodities, and the traffic situation in Metro Manila.
“That will be an incredible feat when it happens and would significantly help in decongesting Metro Manila as motorists will be able to travel without passing through the metropolis. It will also help in bringing prices down for goods and services as the transport and logistics costs will decrease, thereby generating immense savings all around,” he explained.
Also, Marcos highlighted the inclusive progress and new doors of opportunities for Bataan, Cavite and their neighboring provinces paved by the improved connectivity.
“It is also impressive to think about how this project will support the development of seaports in the said provinces, making them potential international shipping gateways of the country,” he noted.
With all these advantages, the President ordered Department of Public Works and Highways to remain on-track and finish the landmark project on schedule.
The bridge project will be divided into seven contract packages to accelerate the completion.
“Do your best, always, to ensure that civil works for this bridge will commence by October this year. See to it as well that the bridge, once completed, will have sufficient links with major thoroughfares in Cavite and Bataan so that it will truly be a facilitator of interconnectivity and linkages among our people and our provinces,” he instructed.
BCIB was funded by Asian Development Bank and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, and is among the infrastructure priorities of the government.
The project is expected to enhance inter-island linkages and connectivity, and reduce transport logistic costs.
It is included in the recently approved National Economic and Development Authority Board list of infrastructure flagship projects that will continue the previous administration’s “Build, Build, Build” program into this administration’s “Build Better More” program.
SOURCE: Trixie Joy B. Manalili PIA3
