A long-awaited crossing of Manila Bay in the Philippines is a step closer to reality, as detailed design engineering is underway on the Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge.

First proposed in the late 1980s, the 20-mile-long, four-lane cable-stayed bridge will connect the provinces of Bataan and Cavite, cutting travel time between the regions from as much as five hours to 30 minutes or less, while also relieving traffic congestion in downtown Manila. Planned 2,952-ft and 1,312-ft main spans will preserve the bay’s existing 160-ft-deep shipping channels, and minimize the number of deep-water foundations.

T.Y. Lin International is part of a multinational joint venture carrying out the design work, which is scheduled to be complete by early 2022. The Philippines’ National Economic and Development Authority plans to begin construction soon afterward, at an estimated cost of more than $3 billion.

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