Commuters in Davao City are poised for a significant reprieve from notorious traffic congestion as the 1.3-kilometer Bucana Bridge is officially slated to open to motorists on December 15, 2025.
The impending opening, announced by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. following a site inspection, marks a critical milestone in the region’s infrastructure development. Once operational, the new thoroughfare—also known as the Davao River Bridge—is projected to slash current travel times from nearly two hours to a mere 20 to 25 minutes for thousands of daily travelers.
The Bucana Bridge, spanning 480 meters across the Bucana area, is a vital component of the massive Davao City Bypass project. It is expected to accommodate an estimated 35,000 vehicles daily, providing a crucial bypass that will greatly ease the burden on downtown Davao City streets, particularly as the holiday season traffic reaches its peak.
“This will bring great relief, especially now that Christmas is coming. We all know what happens with traffic [during the holiday season],” President Marcos stated during his inspection.
The project was constructed through a grant from China, which the President credited for the swift and efficient completion, citing the advanced technology and methods employed by the Chinese contractors in collaboration with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
The opening of the Bucana Bridge is a major step toward realizing the full Davao City Bypass project, a 5.5-kilometer, four-lane high-capacity highway. The entire bypass, which stretches from Toril to Panabo City, is currently on track for full completion by December 20, 2027, and is expected to cut the total travel time between the two points from 1 hour and 44 minutes down to 49 minutes.