There is no stopping the construction of the Samal Island–Davao City Connector (SIDC) Bridge as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) reported on Sunday, July 20, that the government’s flagship infrastructure project is 40 percent complete despite the recent issuance of Writ of Kalikasan by the Supreme Court against the project. 

In a statement, the DPWH said the project, a 4.76-kilometers bridge that would directly link the northeastern part of Davao City to the northwestern section of Samal Island, enjoys support from the local government units.

The Supreme Court, acting on the petition filed by several individuals over the environmental impact of the project, issued a Writ of Kalikasan, a legal remedy in the country anchored on the constitutional right of the Filipinos to a healthy environment.

In the petition, it cited the adverse effects of the construction to the coral reefs in Paradise Reef and the Hizon Marine Protected Area.

DPWH Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain, however, said that environmental safeguards have been central to the bridge’s construction, particularly in protecting the marine ecosystems of the Pakiputan Strait.

“A comprehensive environmental assessment guided the project’s alignment and design to minimize impacts on marine biodiversity and water flow,” said Sadain.

“To maintain water quality during the construction of bridge columns and foundations, silt curtains and sediment control measures have been deployed. Construction practices follow environmental best practices, including the immediate removal of debris or concrete waste from marine areas,” he added.

Sadain said the bridge’s design also allows for unimpeded longshore currents and ensures the free circulation of seawater, helping maintain the ecological balance of the strait.

The DPWH said the SIDC Bridge is a milestone project that reflects the government’s commitment to deliver inclusive, climate-resilient infrastructure that enhances regional connectivity and promotes economic growth.

The SIDC Bridge is designed as a four-lane, toll-free extradosed bridge that connects the R. Castillo–Daang Maharlika Junction in Davao City to the Samal Circumferential Road, with landing points located in Barangay Vicente Hizon Sr., Davao City, and Barangay Limao, Samal Island.

Once operational, the SIDC Bridge is expected to accommodate up to 25,000 vehicles daily, significantly improving mobility between Davao City and Samal Island.

Travel time across the Davao Gulf will be reduced from 55 minutes by ferry to just 4.5 minutes, greatly easing dependence on ferry services for residents, commuters, and tourists.

Sadain said the bridge incorporates marine and land viaducts, approach roads, ramps, and a main bridge span designed to support both road and maritime transport.

The main bridge, an extradosed span measuring 275 meters, will feature a 47-meter vertical navigation clearance, ensuring safe passage for maritime vessels.

It will also include two pylons rising 73 meters above mean sea level, the maximum allowable height set by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) due to the bridge’s proximity to Francisco Bangoy International Airport.

Other structural components of the SIDC Bridge include 477.5 meters western marine viaduct, 570 meters land viaduct, 1,320.33 meters interchange ramp, and 806.91 meters approach road on the Davao City side; and 637.5 meters eastern marine viaduct, 395 meters land viaduct, and 280 meters approach road on the Samal Island side.

The bridge’s design also allows for unimpeded longshore currents and ensures the free circulation of seawater, helping maintain the ecological balance of the strait.