PILAR, Bataan: Senior Undersecretary Emil Sadain of the Department of Public Works and Highways on Saturday announced that the Philippine government and the Asian Development Bank signed a loan agreement Friday to finance the construction of the Bataan – Cavite Interlink Bridge (BCIB).
“So by first quarter next year mag-start na ang procurement for the civil works so tuloy-tuloy na ‘yan tulad ng pinapangarap natin na in the next five years matatapos natin ang construction. Mag-start tayo mga 2nd half of 2024 kasi ang procurement niya ay kalahating taon dahil seven contract packages ito,” the Usec said.
Reports showed that ADB has approved the financing of the construction of the 32.15-kilometer BCIB for $2.1 billion or about P118.32B. The first tranche of the loan amounted to $650 million or about P36.22B.
Sadain was in Pilar, Bataan and led in the inauguration and opening of the newly-completed construction of the Alauli Flyover, the first in Bataan, funded for P150M.
Gov. Jose Enrique Garcia 3rd, 2nd district Cong. Albert Garcia and Pilar Mayor Carlos Pizarro, Jr. joined Sadain in the inauguration.
The structure that started construction on January 4, 2022 has two lanes at 7.5 linear meters wide and 195.59 linear meters long – modular steel flyover consisting of five spans, two abutments and four piers.
It has also a 412.16 linear meter – road approaches (both sides) or a total of 607.75 linear meter – module steel flyover, materials French- supplied.
Sadain read a message of DPWH Sec. Manuel Bonoan.
“We mark another turning point for the DPWH and the province of Bataan, home to special economic zones and freeport. Bataan Peninsula has seen an increase in traffic build – up especially along the Roman Superhighway. The growing clamor for better route infrastructure further emphasizes the construction of this project is long overdue,” the secretary’s message said.
“Today DPWH unveils with pride the much- anticipated Alauli Flyover. The project will mitigate vehicular congestions along the busy intersection of catering the incoming and outgoing traffic to and from the heart of Pilar to neighboring towns and urban centers. With enhanced connectivity, new economic and livelihood opportunities that not only the municipality of Pilar but also the entire province to benefit,” the message further stated.
“The Alauli Flyover project is also a concrete symbol of cooperation between the national government, DPWH and the provincial government of Bataan and the local government of Pilar. I am excited for the people of Bataan to reap its benefit. DPWH will remain committed in delivering more infrastructure projects that will bring progress closer to every Filipino,” Bonoan’s message went.
Sadain said the Alauli Flyover was constructed as part of the 15 projects earmarked for the 57 – kilometer Roman Superhighway to ease traffic congestion and compliment the upcoming construction of the BCIB that will connect Southern Tagalog to Central Luzon via Bataan.
Congressman Garcia, Governor Garcia and Mayor Pizarro said that not only traffic congestion will be lessened by the Alauli Flyover but vehicular accidents that were common in the intersection.
Pizarro said businesses sprouted and even a big hospital will soon operate in the area. “Many would want to do business in Barangay Alauli.”
