WORK on the first phase of the P25.8-billion 45.2-kilometer bypass road project is targeted to start in June or July 2019.
The project will include the longest tunnel in the country once completed.
“Hopefully by June or July this year, mag-start na ang package 1-1 which will procure the tunnel area which is a 2.3-km mountain tunnel, the longest in the Philippines once completed,” Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Engineer Earl Nicholas Rada said in an interview with SunStar Davao.
“Maraming bypass projects ang DPWH, but this is the first na may mountain tunnel na ganoon kahaba using technologies to excavate,” he added.
The 45.2 kilometer project funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) was divided into four packages as it will be a four-lane road from Sirawan passing through Barangays Mintal, Mandug, and Malagamot and ends in Barangay J.P Laurel in Panabo, Davao del Norte.
“The whole project is divided into four packages so iyung isa doon is tapos na, yung detail design which is undergoing procurement na,” he said.
Rada also said the four packages are targeted to be completed before President Rodrigo R. Duterte's term ends in 2022 since they are now using specialized equipment and technology to fast-track the project.
“We will be using technology to excavate. Hindi tulad dati na mano-mano talaga,” Rada said, adding that construction of tunnel will take up to 37 months so there is urgency to start the tunnel portion of package 1-1.
He also said that there were few issues on resistance but were manageable for DPWH since the project will benefit the public.
Meawnhile, Rada mentioned that putting a toll fee in the bypass road project is still under study.
“Imagine sa 45.2 kilometers, 2.3 lang yung tunnel. The remaining will be free. It will still be a national highway. You can go in and out anytime you want,” he added.