DPWH, ADB to conduct feasibility study on 25 priority bridges 

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is launching a comprehensive feasibility study for the construction of 25 priority bridges across 11 regions, further advancing the infrastructure push of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. under the Build Better More program.

With a contract valued at %u20B1694.44 million, the initiative—dubbed Phase II of the Urgent Bridges Construction Project for Rural Development (UBCPRD)—will be supported by financing from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) through Loan No. 3886–PHI. The project aims to improve inter-regional connectivity and support economic development, particularly in underserved rural communities.

DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan and Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain are overseeing the program. Consulting services for the 24-month study officially commence on June 7, 2025, led by a consortium headed by SMEC International Pty Ltd., in joint venture with Oriental Consultants Global Co., Ltd., COWI A/S, SMEC Philippines Inc., and Pacific Rim Innovation and Management Exponents, Inc. (PRIMEX).

“The development of these bridges across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao is expected to reduce transport bottlenecks, improve disaster resilience, and catalyze economic activity, especially in remote areas,” said Senior Undersecretary Sadain.

A project kickoff meeting held on June 3, 2025, brought together key stakeholders from the DPWH, ADB, and the consulting consortium. The agreement was finalized with the issuance of a Notice to Proceed on May 20, accepted by the consultants on May 28.

Among the notable projects in the pipeline are the Buntun and Enrile cable-stayed bridges in Cagayan, the new Butuan Steel Truss Bridge in Agusan del Norte, and the Manguisoc Extradosed Bridge in Camarines Norte. Other bridge types under evaluation include pre-stressed concrete girder bridges, arch bridges, arch truss, and parallel bridge designs.

Bridges will span across Luzon (10), Visayas (6), and Mindanao (9), with an estimated total length of 18.78 kilometers. This includes major structures such as the Daram-Talalora Bridge in Samar, Simuay Bridge in Maguindanao, and Quezon Bridge in Dipolog City.