Unveiling the Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge: What You Need to Know

Get set for a game-changing travel experience between Bataan and Cavite with the Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge. Beyond slashing travel time from 4-5 hours to a swift 30-45 minutes, this bridge, spanning 32.15 kilometers over Manila Bay, aspires to rank among the world’s longest overwater structures. Let’s dive into it.

Project Overview

This transformative bridge aims to significantly reduce travel time from Bataan to Cavite to a mere 30-45 minutes. Stretching across 32.15 kilometers over Manila Bay, it links Barangay Alas-asin, Mariveles, Bataan, to Barangay Timalan, Naic, Cavite. The project targets inclusion among the world’s longest overwater bridges, following the prestigious Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge.

Changes in Cost and Timeline

Now, the updates: Project costs have risen from P175.6 billion to P219.3 billion, with a revised completion date of December 2029. According to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), these adjustments accommodate an enhanced design and superior materials while factoring in inflation.

Project Background

Originating in 1987 with former Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority chair Felicito Payumo, the Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge concept gained renewed attention in 2016. Despite its three-decade history, the project remains vital in addressing transportation challenges and improving commuter experiences.

Addressing False Claims

Despite certain claims attempting to attribute the blueprints to former President Ferdinand E. Marcos, credit goes to Felicito Payumo for the original idea in 1987. It’s essential to correct misinformation, such as attributing Albert Garcia as the brainchild, when it was Payumo who laid the groundwork.

The Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge is a true testament to the Philippines’ commitment to infrastructure advancement and regional connectivity. Despite adjustments in cost and timeline, it stands as a beacon of progress. As construction progresses, it’s crucial to recognize the visionaries, like Payumo, who initiated this monumental undertaking. The Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge emerged as a transformative force, reshaping the landscape of Philippine travel.