A project aimed at ensuring efficient inter-island transportation within the region.
One of the anticipated construction projects in the Philippines is the Panay-Guimaras-Negros (PGN) Island Bridges Project. Targeted to be partially operational by June 2028, according to The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Regional Director Engineer Sanny Boy Oropel, this construction project consists of two sea-crossing bridges and is expected to significantly enhance travel and transportation.
At the heart of the Philippine archipelago is Western Visayas. This region has three main islands: Panay, Guimaras and Negros. With large quantities of water separating the islands, transportation between all islands is necessary to ensure the continuous flow of day to day living.
The Island Bridges Project.
The PGN island bridge project of the Philippines is aimed to solve the transportation problems in Western Visayas. After completion, the island bridge will be the longest bridge in the region, spanning 32.47 km, spanning longer than Tacloban-Samar, San Juanico Bridge. This bridge project will link the islands of Panay, Guimaras and Negros and will cut travel time from four hours via ferry, to just one hour by land. This faster, safer, and more convenient mode of travel will become a great boost for the economic development in the region.
The Panay-Guimaras island connection, called Section A, is a 13 km link and is estimated to cost over US$ 982 million. Section B, the Guimaras-Negros connection, will span a length of 19.47 km and is estimated to cost US$ 1.8 billion. The total construction project cost is US$ 3.2 billion, with US$ 340 million allocated for the acquisition of road right of way.
Read more about on-going bridge projects in the Philippines: Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge (BCIB) Project timeline and all you need to know
Partnership with Korea.
Funding for the Philippine bridge project was secured from the Export-Import Bank of Korea. With five consultants tasked with the Detailed Engineering Design (DED) for the project’s 2 segments. Consultancy services are carried out by Yooshin Engineering Corp. in a joint venture with Kyong-Ho Engineering and Architects Co. Ltd., Dohwa Engineering Co. Ltd., Soosung Engineering Co. Ltd., and Dasan Consultants Co. Ltd.
In January 2024, the Detailed Engineering Design (DED) of the Philippine bridge project began. This is expected to be fully completed by May 2026–a crucial milestone that will lay the groundwork for the island bridge project’s future. Once the DED is completed, civil construction works will begin in late 2025, marking a significant transition from planning to construction.
Target Completion: 2028-2032.
The Island Bridges Project is slated to be operational by mid-2028, according to Regional Director Engr. Sanny Boy Oropel of DPWH Western Visayas, Segment 1 or Section A of the island bridges project would be open for public use before President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s term ends in June 2028. He is positive that Section A will kick off with civil works by the latter half of 2025. The entire Philippine construction project is targeted to be completed by 2032.
The Panay-Guimaras-Negros Island Bridges Project will not only facilitate safe transportation and socioeconomic growth for the region, but the project will also position the island bridges project as engineering and architectural marvels. It will symbolize a significant stride forward in the building and construction industry of the Philippines. By linking these three islands, this construction project will boost local economy, enhance tourism, and the overall quality of life for the residents in the region of Western Visayas. Now the anticipation builds for the realization of this massive change in the landscape and travel for the Western Visayas region of the Philippines.
Read also: Japan loans US$900 million for MRT East-West system, Jakarta
