Philippines: 1-billion bridge takes shape in Calabarzon
Cable-stayed Roma Point Bridge to link mainland Luzon to Alabat island east of Manila
Manila: A new 1-billion-peso bridge spanning 1.7km is taking shape in the Philippine province of Quezon, dubbed as the longest over-the-water link in the Calabarzon region. It is set to link some of the country's best Pacific-facing beach front properties and an upcoming 55-megawatt wind farm.
Roma Point Bridge (also known as Canda-Hondagua-Roma Point Quezon Bridge) will connect mainland Luzon from the town of Calauag, in Quezon province to the 192 km² island of Alabat.
Location: Calauag, Quezon to Alabat Island
Length: 1.7 km
Longest span: 800 m (2,600 ft)
Capacity: 2-lane, single carriageway
Project started: 2018
The bridge-building project is one of the major infrastructure projects in the country aimed to spur economic growth and development in rural areas. The Philippines has more than 7,600 islands.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) kicked off Roma Point Bridge construction in 2018. Work was briefly hit by the pandemic, but construction is back to a frenetic pace.
Currently, the sole means of transportation between the island and mainland Luzon remains boat trips, often canceled in inclement weather. The pandemic has also exposed the necessity of improved healthcare access for the island's 43,000 residents.
Gem
Alabat Island, between Calauag Bay and Lopez Bay, is known as a “hidden gem” with pristine waters, sweet coconuts, exquisite honey, plenty of seafood, and beach resorts.
The project site, selected following a feasibility study, prioritised the shortest and safest route compared to other options. The island is currently being developed as a tourist destination; the bridge’s successful completion would boost local tourism.
The link will expedite travel for passengers, cargo, and goods between the land and the isolated island towns' ferries and other water transport systems.
Alabat Wind Farm
The island is also the site of the planned Alabat Island Wind Farm, a 55MW onshore wind power project being developed and currently owned by Alternergy Philippines Holding, which is partly owned by the state-run GSIS pension fund.
The wind turbine project construction is expected to commence this year and will enter into commercial operation by 2025.
Note: If you know more official details, i.e. bridge progress report, completion date, etc, please email readers@gulfnews.com. We'll be happy to update this story.