The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has entered a significant stage in the construction of the 2.3-km twin-tube tunnel – soon to be the longest road mountain tunnel in the Philippines – serving as a key feature of the 45.5 km, four-lane Davao City Bypass Construction Project (DCBCP).
This flagship infrastructure is being undertaken in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s ‘Build Better More’ programme, which aims to modernise the country’s transport network and support inclusive development, under the broader vision of Bagong Pilipinas – a new and better Philippines.
According to DPWH, the DCBCP has recently reached a major milestone, as the north and south portal ends of the northbound tunnel were finally connected. Located at the challenging mountainous terrain, the new bypass will offer motorists a safer and more efficient alternative route, effectively decongesting traffic within Davao City and enhancing regional connectivity.
DPWH said the construction breakthrough of the northbound tunnel, along with the ongoing excavation works for the remaining 202 m of the southbound tunnel – which is now 91% completed – marks significant progress in this strategic infrastructure project.
Once completed, the DCBCP will reduce travel time between Toril and Panabo City from 1 hour and 44 minutes to just 49 minutes, stimulating economic activity, expanding business opportunities, and boosting tourism across Davao Region and Mindanao.
On 11 April 2025, DPWH inspected the road mountain tunnel part of Contract Package (CP) I-1, covering 10.7 km and now 58.7% completed by the Shimizu-Ulticon-Takenaka Joint Venture. At the same time, the progress of CP II-1 package was also evaluated, which includes several bridges being constructed by the CavDeal/WECI/Coastland Joint Venture.
The locally funded portions of the bypass road under CP II-1 and CP II-2 are now 72.83% and 63.89% completed, respectively, shared DPWH. CP II-1, spanning 2.54 km and valued at Php4.33 billion, features a 1.3-km four-lane road and seven bridges, with completion targeted in the first quarter of 2026. Meanwhile, CP II-2 – a 3.52-km road section worth Php4.60 billion – is slated for completion in the third quarter of 2026.
DPWH added that other segments under CP I-2 and CP I-3 are also progressing steadily, while Package II-3 will soon start its procurement activities.
Image: DPWH
