CREDIT: Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is not just making progress; it's making history. In a bold move aimed at revolutionizing the national road network in the Philippines, the DPWH is fast-tracking its ambitious flagship project – the country’s first-ever long-distance mountain tunnel in Davao City.
The project, a major step forward in enhancing connectivity and accessibility in the region, is a testament to the DPWH's commitment to driving change and accelerating development across the archipelago.
The Davao City Bypass Construction Project, a transformative infrastructure development, is the heart of the DPWH's initiative. With a significant 45-kilometer stretch and a major component comprising a 2.3-kilometer twin mountain road tunnel, this project promises to be a game-changer in the advancement of the country's national road network.
Set to commence in Barangay Sirawan, Toril, Davao City and conclude at Barangay J.P. Laurel, Panabo City, the project is at the forefront of the DPWH's efforts to reinvent the national road network under the Bagong Pilipinas initiative.
As of now, the DPWH, in partnership with the joint venture contractor, Shimizu-Ulticon-Takenaka, has completed approximately 80 percent of the tunnel excavation activities. The focus now is on the critical tasks of concrete lining and waterproofing for the north and south portals.
Despite challenging weather conditions and other obstacles, the DPWH remains committed to ensuring that the project stays on track, with safety standards maintained and progress towards completion undeterred.
The project, which boasts an estimated cost of P13.23 Billion, is being funded through a loan agreement between the Government of the Philippines (GOP) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). It's one of the three subdivided contract packages under Package 1, with completion targeted for the first quarter of 2025.
Alongside Contract Package I-1, Contract Package I-3 plays a complementary role, involving the construction of a 5.6-kilometer four-lane road along with one bridge, two cut and cover tunnels, 12 culverts, and one overpass.
Despite the weather-related challenges impacting the civil works and material delivery, the UPMO-RMC I, along with its dedicated project managers and engineers, is making every effort to mitigate these issues. Their primary focus is ensuring that the project is delivered as per the schedule.
Regular coordination meetings are held between the project contractors, consultants, and the UPMO-RMC I Project Director to identify emerging issues and quickly establish effective action plans to address them. This proactive approach to problem-solving ensures that potential issues are nipped in the bud, keeping the project on track.
The bypass project under Package 2, locally funded by the GOP, is divided into three contract packages. Presently at a 36% accomplishment status, Contract Package II-1 involves the construction of a 1.28-kilometer, four-lane road and seven bridges with a total length of 1.26-kilometer.
The implementation of Contract Package II-2 covers a 3.52-kilometer component of the bypass project, with a consortium of AIMM Builder & Construction Supply, Nationstar Development Corporation, and China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) posting a civil work accomplishments of 14%.
Meanwhile, the remaining 9.7-kilometer road and bridges under Contract Package II-3, completing the Davao City Bypass Project, are scheduled for procurement in the third quarter of 2024.
With an estimated total cost of P46.80 Billion, the Davao City Bypass Project is a significant investment in the future of the Philippines' national road network. Its supervision, under a joint venture of Nippon Koei Co., Ltd., Katahira and Engineers International, Nippon Engineering Consultants Co., Ltd. in association with Philkoei International, Inc., ensures its successful completion.
As the DPWH continues its full-speed work on this ambitious project, the nation watches with bated breath, eager to witness the dawn of a new era in Philippine infrastructure.
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