THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said it is close to completing the 2.3-kilometer twin tube tunnel segment of the Davao City Bypass project.
In a statement on Sunday, the DPWH said the project was at 91% completion after the north and south ends of the northbound tunnel were connected.
The 2.3-kilometer road is part of the Contract Package (CP) I-1 which has an estimated cost of P13.3 billion, according to the DPWH website. It is targeted for completion this year.
The Davao City Bypass is expected to help decongest Davao City roads by offering an alternative route. The project runs through the mountains and connects Davao City via the tunnel and Panabo City via Davao del Norte.
“The construction breakthrough of the northbound tunnel, along with the ongoing excavation works for the remaining 202 meters of the southbound tunnel… marks significant progress in this strategic infrastructure project,” DPWH said.
The 45.6-kilometer bypass road in Davao region has an overall cost of P70.82 billion. It is being financed through a combination of loan agreement with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and government funds.
Meanwhile, CP II-1 and CP II-2 are now 72.83% and 63.89% finished, respectively.
CP II-1, valued at a P4.33 billion, is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2026. This segment features a four-lane road and has seven bridges; while CP II-2, which is scheduled for completion in the third quarter of next year, is a 3.52-kilometer road section valued at P4.60 billion.
The DPWH said it is set to start procurement activities for the remaining contract packages of the project. — Ashley Erika O. Jose