Manila: An iconic bridge, known as the longest cable-stayed bridge structure in the Region 2 (northern Luzon) in the Philippines, is expected to open to traffic later this year.
According to the Philippine Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Php4-billion ($68.6-million) Calamaniugan mega bridge spanning 1.58 km will link the towns of Aparri and Camalaniugan in Cagayan Province.
The soon-to-be-completed link is about 574 km north of the capital Manila. Construction is now in full blast, with opening set by end-2024.
It is expected to improve the transport of goods and services, and open up new opportunities for trade and investment.
Features
The uniquely designed two-lane bridge has a total length of 2.16 kilometers (including approaches), with three steel towers.
It features a cable-stayed bridge with two main spans, three short towers and double cable planes that adopt tower-beam consolidation and tower-pier separation systems.
Construction of the Camalaniugan Bridge broke ground in 2021.
The project, under DPWH and funded by the national government, is being undertaken by Hunan Road and Bridge Construction Group Co. Ltd of China together with its Philippine counterpart, the Agafer Construction and Trading.
Engr. Elmer Escobar, the project engineer from the Department of Public Works and Highways Region 2, told local media that barring any major disturbances that will hamper the continuous construction works, the project will be completed on time.
Residents and visitors had been posting updates on social media about the much-awaited structure.
Connectivity
The project forms part of the efforts to improve transportation infrastructure in the region, aiming to enhance connectivity and boost local economic development.
Here’s what you need to know:
Location: Crossing Cagayan River, linking the towns of Aparri and Camalaniugan in Cagayan Province, Philippines.
Cost: The Camalaniugan Bridge is estimated to cost 4 billion pesos ($68.8 million).
Completion: The bridge is expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2024.
Purpose: The bridge will provide a new and shorter route between the two Cagayan towns (Aparri and Camalaniugan).
Currently, travel between the two towns requires crossing the Cagayan River by ferry or taking a long detour.
The Calamaniugan bridge is one of the five proposed major bridges in the province that will cross the Cagayan River.
