THE DEPARTMENT of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) reported the construction of the country’s first-ever long-distance mountain tunnel is nearing its completion.
In a press release issued on April 6, DPWH revealed the 2.3-kilometer twin mountain road tunnel, and part of the 10.7-kilometer Contract Package I-1 has completed about 80% of the tunnel excavation activities.
The department said concrete lining and waterproofing for the north and south portals is underway, as per the Unified Project Management Office – Roads Management Cluster 1 (UPMO-RMC I) together with Shimizu-Ulticon-Takenaka, their joint venture contractor.
On April 5, Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain, DPWH Infrastructure Flagship Projects (IFPs) in charge, UPMO-RMC I Project Director Benjamin A. Bautista, and UPMO – Bridges Management Cluster Project Director Rodrigo I. Delos Reyes inspected the area to ensure the project adheres to the safety standards and the progress update.
The 45-kilometer Davao City Bypass Construction Project starts in Barangay Sirawan, Toril, Davao City, ending in J.P. Laurel, Panabo City. The project will cut up the usual travel time of 1 hour and 45 minutes down to 49 minutes.
“Davao City Bypass Construction Project is a cutting-edge and transformative infrastructure development that will be a breakthrough in the advancement of the country’s national road network,” Sadain said.
The project is divided into two packages wherein Contract Package I-1 with an estimated cost of P13.23 Billion is funded by a loan agreement between the Government of the Philippines (GOP) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Contract Package I-1 is among the subdivided three contract packages under Package 1, which completion is aimed in the first quarter of 2025.
Contract Package I-3, on the other hand, complements Package I-1 and includes the construction of the 5.6-kilometer, four-lane road with one bridge, two cut and cover tunnels, 12 culverts, and one overpass. The civil works of this package started in December 2023.
However, the contract agreement for the civil works of Contract Package I-2 is still underway as the Letter of Acceptance and the Notice of Award were issued in November of last year.
Meanwhile, Project 2, funded by the General Appropriations Act, is subdivided into three contract packages.
This includes Contract Package II-1 which is the construction of a 1.28-kilometer, four (4)-lane road and seven bridges with a total length of 1.26-kilometer under contract with Cavite Ideal International Construction and Development Corporation in a joint venture with Wee Eng Construction Inc., and Coastland Construction and Development Corporation.
Contract Package II-1 is presently at 36% accomplishment and is targeted to be completed in the first quarter of 2026.
Contract Package II-2, on the other hand, which covers the 3.52-kilometer component of the bypass project in Sta. 32+240 to Sta. 35+760, with AIMM Builder & Construction Supply, Nationstar Development Corporation, and China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), is currently at 14% accomplishment from their onset of mobilization on August 2023.
Meanwhile, the remaining 9.7-kilometer road and bridges under Contract Package II-3, which completes the Davao City Bypass Project are still scheduled for procurement this third quarter of 2024.
The department revealed they conduct consistent coordination meetings with the project contractors and consultants to establish action plans for the completion of the project.
The estimated total cost of the city bypass project is P46.80 Billion.
