P187-billion peso bridge proposed

Since the start of the Duterte Administration, many infrastructure projects have been continued to be finished and many new “big ticket” projects have also reached groundbreaking and are underway. Among these, are the Skyway NLEX-SLEX Connector, the Metro Manila Subway Project and many more new road network projects.

Now, something that was just a wild dream many years ago might, in fact, become a reality soon. Under the government's Build, Build, Build! Program, a 32.1-kilometer bridge connecting Cavite and Bataan — provinces on opposite sides of Manila Bay — might see the light of day if it is approved for Official Development Assistance (ODA) funding from the Asia Development Bank (ADB).

The project is estimated to cost P187-billion pesos and will involve the construction of viaducts (land and marine) and two long-span bridges. The bridge will connect the town of Naic, in Cavite, the historic Corregidor Island, and Mariveles in Bataan.

The Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge (BCIB), as it will be called, is currently undergoing a feasibility study. If the project pushes through and is completed, it will cut the travel time from Cavite to Bataan to as little as one hour or less, from the usual five to six hours through Metro Manila. It will also help decongest the North Luzon Expressway especially during long weekends and official holidays due to the exodus of travelers going out and eventually back into Metro Manila.

Let's just hope that the BCIB will not become a toll road where only 400 cc and above motorcycles are allowed like the C-5 Link Flyover so that it would benefit not only the car owners but also us everyday motorcycle riders who just want to appreciate the beauty of our country by traveling onboard our trusty sub-400 cc motorcycles.

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