- P3.1-B China-grant Bucana Bridge seen to ease Christmas traffic
PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. announced on Thursday that the new Bucana Bridge in Davao City will be opened to traffic on Dec. 15, 2025, just in time for the busy Christmas season.
Mr. Marcos made the announcement while inspecting the infrastructure project on Thursday morning, Dec. 4. Mindanao Development Authority Secretary Leo Magno, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon, Special Assistant to the President Antonio Lagdameo Jr., and Davao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Jose Manuel Lagdameo also joined the President during the inspection.
“Ang estimate natin na ang biyahe na dati halos dalawang oras ay mababawasan magiging mga 25 minutes, 20 minutes na lang. Kaya malaking ginhawa, lalong-lalo na ngayon na magpa-Pasko tayo (We estimate to cut the trip from two hours to just 25 minutes or 20 minutes. So, it’s a big help, especially now that we are approaching Christmas),” he said in a speech.
He also said that the entire stretch of the Davao City Coastal Road Project will open in December 2027.
Mr. Marcos also credited the Chinese contractor for adopting modern technology in building the bridge. “Marunong talaga silang magpatayo ng magandang tulay, magandang infrastructure na mabilis at nasa tamang gastos, nasa tamang presyo (They really know how to build a solid bridge, solid infrastructure that’s fast and cost-effective),” he added.
The Bucana Bridge project, funded by a ₱3.126 billion grant from China, spans 480 meters. It’s built by the China Road and Bridge Corporation, the same contractor for the Samal Island-Davao City Connector Bridge.
It is designed to ease traffic congestion in Davao City significantly and is expected to accommodate up to 35,000 vehicles daily. The bridge forms a crucial part of the larger Davao City bypass road network.
