The anticipated P187.54-billion mega Panay-Guimaras-Negros (PGN) bridges project is set to transform regional connectivity in Western Visayas, the top official of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in the region said.
In a public briefing, DPWH regional director engineer Sanny Boy Oropel said the feasibility study for the design and the detailed engineering has already started.
Spanning 32.47 kilometers, the project has two sections consisting of Section A or the Panay to Guimaras section, with a length of 13 kilometers; and Section B from Guimaras to Negros, with a length of 19.47 kilometers.
Oropel said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has instructed that the detailed engineering design of Section A be completed by December 2024, instead of the end of 2025.
“The detailed engineering design of Section A will be completed within 2024 for the civil work to start in the second semester of 2025. Segment one will be completely delivered by the end of President Marcos’ term on June 30, 2028,” he said during the Bagong Pilipinas town hall meeting at the DPWH regional office here.
The study is being undertaken by a consortium of six consulting firms.
“All adjustments will be made by the consultants in order to deliver this commitment,” he added.
In addition to the ongoing study, Oropel said they are also in the process of identifying the vital connectivity of the PGN, as they started development around the access areas of the bridges.
“The PGN Island Bridges will emerge as architectural marvels, featuring state-of-the-art construction, complete with intricate road networks and interchanges that will have a common intersection in the Panay side, Guimaras side, and Negros side,” he said.
Aside from unhampered transportation, the completion of the project will also ensure safer travel.
Section B of the project is eyed for completion in 2030.Perla Lena/PNA
