The Philippines’ Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has provided a progress update on the Davao City bypass construction project.
Completion is anticipated by 2028, pending the acquisition of necessary government funding.
The project is set to enhance connectivity and reduce traffic congestion in the region.
The 45.5km bypass road, stretching from Barangay Sirawan in Toril to Barangay J.P. Laurel in Panabo City, is expected to cut travel time from one hour and 44 minutes to 49 minutes.
The project’s ongoing contract package I-1, worth 13.23bn pesos ($234.17m), is funded by the Special Terms for Economic Partnership loan.
This loan is between the Government of the Philippines (GOP) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency.
During an inspection, it was noted that 44.8% of the 10.7km contract package I-1 has been completed.
This includes the twin-mountain road tunnel, which is being closely monitored by project manager Joselito B Reyes.
The tunnel, at 2.3km, is said to become the first long-distance mountain tunnel in the country.
The excavation of the tunnel is progressing, with 79% of the northbound section and 71% of the southbound section completed.
The team is now focusing on waterproofing and concrete arch lining works within the tunnel.
A joint venture between Shimizu Corporation, Ulticon Builders, and Takenaka Civil Engineering & Construction was selected as the contractor for the tunnels.
This package, funded by the GOP and starting in January 2023, includes a 1.28km four-lane road section that is part of the bypass project’s north-east segment.
Additionally, contract package II-2, which began in August 2023 under the supervision of Unified Project Management Office (UPMO) project manager Ricarte Mañalac, is currently underway.
This section includes a 3.52km stretch with a 2.5km four-lane road and seven bridges, along with three overpass bridges.
DPWH UPMO Operations plans to convert engineering facilities into dynamic learning spaces after the project's completion.
These spaces will include 60 standard classrooms to be handed over to the country's Department of Education.
