The contract agreement for the detailed engineering design (DED) of the Panay-Guimaras-Negros Island Bridges Project has been signed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
DPWH approved on Dec. 20 the contract of the consultant’s services with Yooshin Engineering Corporation and its partners, namely: Kyong-Ho Engineering and Architects Co., Ltd., Dohwa Engineering Co., Ltd., Soosung Engineering Co., Ltd., and Dasan Consultants Co., Ltd.
The approval is a “crucial step forward in the realization of this key infrastructure flagship project in Western Visayas.”
The P2.671-billion contract was signed by DPWH senior undersecretary Emil K. Sadain and authorized representatives from the joint venture companies.
Sadain said the cost of engineering services for the project will be funded by a loan with the Export-Import Bank of Korea (KEXIM) under the Official Development Assistance (ODA) of the Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF) Loan Agreement No. PHL-23.
The completion of DED is scheduled in 2025 and will be immediately followed by civil works, which are targeted to be finished in 2032.
The civil works cover the construction of the 32.47 kilometer two sea-crossing bridges and connecting roads that will link Panay Island to Guimaras Island and Negros Island.
Section A of the project will connect the islands of Panay Guimaras with a total length of 13 kilometers at an estimated cost of P57.702 billion.
Section B covers the 19.47-kilometer Guimaras-Negros Islands bridge amounting to an indicative cost of PP109.76 Billion.
The project, once completed, is expected to reduce the travel time from Panay Island to Negros Island from a 4-hour trip via ferries/RORO down to approximately one hour land travel using the bridge.IMT
