The much-awaited Panay-Guimaras Bridge project is set to commence construction next year, but there is still no definite timeline for the subsequent Guimaras-Negros section, the Department of Public Works and Highways announced on Saturday, September 28.
The 33.086-kilometer Panay-Guimaras-Negros Island Bridges Project which is estimated to cost a staggering P167.5 billion will span two sections with the Panay-Guimaras bridge connecting the city of Iloilo to Guimaras and the Guimaras-Negros Bridge to connect the entire Negros Island.
According to DPWH Region 6 Director Sanny Boy Oropel that the detailed engineering study for the Panay-Guimaras Bridge will be completed by December 2024, paving the way for the procurement of civil works in the first half of 2025.
If the bidding process is successful, construction could begin as early as the third quarter of 2025 and is anticipated to be completed by June 2028.
However, the timeline for the Guimaras-Negros Bridge remains uncertain. While the detailed engineering study is expected to be finalized by December 2025, the procurement process is likely to commence in 2026. The actual start of civil works for this section of the project remains to be determined.