06/12/2025
Ctto:
Bucana Bridge Timeline
🔵 BEFORE 2018 – Planning Stage
• DPWH had long-term plans to improve Davao’s east-west connectivity.
• Bucana Bridge was identified as part of the future Davao City Coastal Bypass / Coastal Road.
• Early feasibility studies and conceptual designs were prepared so it could be proposed for foreign funding.
🟡 2018 – Formalized Under Duterte Administration
• The Philippines and China signed an Exchange of Letters for the China-Aid Localized Projects, including the Davao River Bridge (Bucana Bridge).
• This officially placed the project under China grant funding, NOT a loan.
• This happened during the height of Duterte’s Build Build Build + PH-China infrastructure cooperation.
👉 This is why it was formalized in 2018.
The Duterte administration was actively securing foreign grants for large infrastructure, and China was offering aid for bridges outside Metro Manila.
🟠 2019–2022 – Design, Review, and Delays
• Detailed engineering designs underwent revisions.
• Right-of-way and coastal alignment needed adjustments.
• Pandemic (2020–2021) slowed government project processing.
• Environmental clearances and local coordination were completed.
👉 These years explain why the project did NOT start immediately after 2018.
🟤 2023 – Contract Signing
• November 2023: DPWH signed the civil-works contract with China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC).
• This officially moved the project from planning → actual construction.
🔴 Late 2023 – Start of Construction
• Groundwork, piling, and foundation works began along both sides of the Davao River.
🟣 2024 – Major Structural Work
• Pylons and main spans were erected.
• Bridge deck segments were installed.
• Coastal approach-roads were developed.
🟢 2025 – Final Stretch
• Mid-2025: Project reached 73% completion.
• Mid-2025: Final concrete pouring for the deck finished.
• Late 2025 (as of latest updates): About 94% complete.
• Expected opening to motorists: Last quarter of 2025.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Duterte formalized the China-Aid funding in 2018, but the bridge only moved to construction in 2023 after years of design reviews, clearances, and right-of-way preparation — which is why it’s finishing only now.