The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has announced that the construction of the Davao City Bypass Project is progressing steadily, with the first package now 60 percent complete.

DPWH gave the update during a site visit with members of the media.

The 2.3-kilometer northbound tunnel is part of the 10.7-kilometer segment under Package 1 of the project in Barangay Waan.

The southbound tunnel, on the other hand, still requires excavation of about 100 meters.

The tunnel will be equipped with modern safety features, including CCTV cameras, lighting systems, loudspeakers, and emergency telephones.

A designated emergency lane for vehicles and cross-passageways for pedestrians are also included in the design.

“Ito, it started 2020 during the pandemic we faced so many challenges noon may suspensions ang original nito is 2024 because of pandemic na extend siya tinatarget namin ngayon, last quarter of 2026 or first quarter of 2027,” DPWH Project Manager, Engr. Joselito Reyes, said.

DPWH also ensured that the structure is disaster-resilient, especially against earthquakes.

“Magnitude 7 something in Mindanao after that, we check the tunnel there’s no damage for that,” Shimizu Corporation Project Director, Mito Akira, added.

This tunnel will be the longest tunnel in the Philippines, which spans 45.5 kilometers connecting Barangay Sirawan in Toril, Davao City to Panabo City in Davao del Norte.

Once completed, the project is expected to ease traffic congestion significantly in Davao City and boost economic and tourism opportunities.

Funded by a loan agreement between the Philippine government and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the project has a total cost of over P46.8 billion.

The project is divided into six construction packages.