The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) announced that excavation for the tunnels of the Davao City Bypass Construction Project is almost complete.
Emil K. Sadain, senior undersecretary of DPWH, shared that the northbound tunnel is 95 percent finished, while the southbound tunnel is 85 percent complete. He noted that the tunnel breakthrough is expected to be finalized by the second quarter of 2025.
Sadain highlighted that the 2.3 km tunnel is the centerpiece of the 10.7-kilometer contract package within the 45.5-kilometer bypass project. Once finished, it will become the longest tunnel in the Philippines.
According to DPWH, the mountain road tunnel will feature two separate tubes for northbound and southbound traffic. This will help reduce traffic congestion in Davao City and provide a safer, more direct route through the mountainous terrain.
“Once completed, the Davao City Bypass Construction Project will reduce travel time between Toril and Panabo City from one hour and 44 minutes to just 49 minutes, helping to alleviate traffic congestion and boost productivity,” DPWH wrote on their Facebook page on January 28, 2025.
The project, funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), is set to cost P70.81 billion. The 45.5-kilometer bypass will stretch from Toril in Davao City to J.P. Laurel in Panabo City.
While delays were noted due to Road Right of Way (RROW) issues and unpredictable weather, Dean Ortiz, spokesperson for DPWH-Davao, reassured that land acquisitions are being negotiated, and expropriation processes are underway. He emphasized that no major obstacles have arisen to significantly delay the project.
On January 27, 2025, Japan's Ambassador to the Philippines, Kazuya Endo, his wife Akiko, Consul-General of Japan in Davao Yoshihisa Ishikawa, and DPWH officials, inspected the ongoing construction.
“The completion of the project will be a game-changer for Davao’s infrastructure, driving the growth of new economic hubs, raising land values, and solidifying Davao’s position as a key regional growth center in Mindanao,” DPWH said. RGP