The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) continues to make significant progress on the Davao City Bypass Construction Project (DCBCP), particularly in the development of the 2.3-kilometer twin mountain road tunnel, a key feature of the 45.62-kilometer four (4)-lane bypass road that spans from Barangay Sirawan, Toril, Davao City, to Barangay J.P. Laurel, Panabo City.
DPWH Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain, in his inspection report to Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan, noted that the concreting of the tunnel invert lining is now 75.76% complete or about 1,697 lineal meters on the northbound tunnel and 74.12% or 1,667 lineal meters on the southbound tunnel.
Tunnel excavation works are also progressing rapidly, with the northbound tunnel 87.72% excavated (1,965 meters), leaving just 275 meters to go. The southbound tunnel is currently at 78.30% (1,761 meters), with 488 meters remaining.
During the inspection at Contract Package (CP) I-1 on October 11, 2024, Senior Undersecretary Sadain was joined by DPWH Unified Project Management Office-Roads Management Cluster (UPMO-RMC 1) Project Director Benjamin A. Bautista, UPMO Bridges Management Cluster Project Director Rodrigo I. Delos Reyes, and Stakeholders Relations Service Director Randy R. Del Rosario.
CP I-1, which covers a 10.7-kilometer stretch from Mintal Road Intersection (Sta. 12+800) to Mandug Road Intersection (Sta. 23+500), is now 53.52% complete, with full completion expected by the second quarter of 2025.
The ongoing progress reflects the dedication of the UPMO-RMC 1 team, led by Project Director Bautista, along with Project Managers Joselito B. Reyes, Lope M. Pajarillaga Jr., and Ricarte Mañalac, as well as Engineers Juan M. Diña Jr. and Earl Nicholas F. Rada.
DPWH UPMO-RMC 1, in partnership with the CP I-1 civil works contractor Shimizu-Ulticon-Takenaka joint venture and project management consultants Nippon Koei, Katahira, Nippon Engineering, and Philkoei, is utilizing advanced engineering techniques to accelerate civil works, positioning the project as one of the most innovative road infrastructure developments in the Philippines.
“We are encouraged by the progress in CP I-1, and we remain optimistic about meeting our targets. Once completed, the Davao City Bypass will be a pioneering infrastructure that will boost economic growth and enhance livelihood opportunities in Davao City,” said Senior Undersecretary Sadain.
Funded through a loan agreement between the Philippine government and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the ₱13.23-billion CP I-1 l also covers the construction of 7.9-kilometer four (4)-lane road, three (3) pairs of bridges spanning more than 500 meters in total, two (2) underpasses, two (2) overpasses, and four (4) at-grade intersections.
Despite legal challenges and weather disruptions, the DPWH remains proactive in addressing issues, ensuring the project stays on track with strategic interventions.
Once completed, the Davao City Bypass Road will cut travel time between Barangay Sirawan in Toril and Barangay J.P. Laurel in Panabo City from 1 hour and 44 minutes via the Pan-Philippine Highway Diversion Road to just 49 minutes, greatly alleviating traffic congestion in Davao City.
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