Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge: Latest Construction Update in 2026

The Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge (BCIB) continues to be one of the most talked-about infrastructure projects in the Philippines, promising to dramatically change how people travel between Central Luzon and CALABARZON. First announced years ago, the bridge is envisioned to cut travel time across Manila Bay from several hours down to under an hour once completed.

As of early 2026, here’s where the project currently stands and what it means for future travel.

What is the Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge?

Image credit: Business World | Official Website

The Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge is a planned 32.15-kilometre, four-lane bridge that will connect Mariveles, Bataan to Naic, Cavite, crossing Manila Bay. Once operational, it is expected to reduce travel time between the two provinces from roughly five hours to just 30 to 45 minutes, offering a faster alternative to driving through Metro Manila .

Beyond convenience, the project is also positioned as a major economic and tourism catalyst, opening up easier access between Luzon’s industrial zones, ports, and leisure destinations.

Also read: Student Commuting Just Got Cheaper with 50 Percent Fare Discount on LRT and MRT

Easier Access to Hidden Gems

Planning a road trip will become a lot simpler. Imagine starting your day in Bataan, exploring beaches or historical sites, then heading straight to Cavite for a relaxing afternoon or a food crawl. No need to pass through Metro Manila or deal with crowded highways.

More direct access is also expected to give tourism a strong push. Local businesses in both regions may benefit from new visitor flows and improved logistics.

Current Project Status as of January 2026

Construction progress

While officials previously announced that construction would begin before the end of 2025, large-scale visible construction across Manila Bay has not yet fully started. As of early 2026, the project remains largely in the pre-construction and early implementation stage, with work focusing on preparation rather than full bridge building .

Initial activities prioritise land-based components, such as approach roads and ramps on both the Bataan and Cavite sides. These sections are typically built first before marine and main bridge spans begin.

Bidding and procurement

The government has moved forward with bidding for various contract packages, particularly for the land approach segments. Several local and foreign construction firms submitted bids, and procurement processes continued into late 2025 and early 2026 .

However, the awarding of major contracts, especially those involving the marine sections of the bridge, has taken longer than initially expected. This has contributed to the slower visible rollout of construction activities.

Financing and policy support

The project remains backed by international financing, primarily through loans from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). These loans are structured in multiple tranches to support different phases of construction over several years .

To help avoid common delays, the Philippine government also enacted the Accelerated and Reformed Right-of-Way Act, a law designed to speed up land acquisition for large infrastructure projects like the BCIB. This policy move is expected to ease one of the biggest hurdles in starting major civil works .

Is the Project Delayed?

While the bridge has not been cancelled, it is fair to say that progress has been slower than early projections. Officials continue to reaffirm the government’s commitment to the project, but timelines have shifted due to procurement complexity, financing arrangements, and right-of-way concerns.

At present, the bridge is still considered active and moving forward, with construction expected to roll out in phases throughout 2026 and beyond rather than all at once.

Also read: Talaba Station Added to LRT-1 Cavite Extension Plan

A New Era for Travelling in Luzon

Image credit: Business World | Official Website

When Is the Bridge Expected to Be Finished?

Given the scale of the project and its current pace, full completion is still projected for the late 2020s to early 2030s. This aligns with earlier estimates and reflects the technical difficulty of building a long marine bridge across Manila Bay .

What This Means for Travellers

For now, travellers should not expect immediate changes to travel routes between Bataan and Cavite. However, once completed, the bridge is expected to:

• Significantly reduce travel time between Central Luzon and Southern Luzon

• Improve access to emerging destinations in Bataan and Cavite

• Ease congestion on major roads passing through Metro Manila

• Support future road trips, logistics routes, and regional tourism growth

While the bridge remains a long-term project, it continues to be one worth watching for anyone interested in future road trips and travel convenience across Luzon.

Bottom Line

As of January 2026, the Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge is still in progress, with preparatory work, bidding, and policy support ongoing. Large-scale construction has yet to fully ramp up, but government agencies maintain that the project is moving forward in stages.

For travellers, the bridge may not change travel plans just yet, but once completed, it could reshape how people move across Luzon for decades to come.