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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DPWH: Southbound Davao Bypass tunnel to break through in Q3

DPWH: Southbound Davao Bypass tunnel to break through in Q3

Published Jul 22, 2025 11:59 am

At A Glance

  • The DPWH eyes a tunnel breakthrough for the southbound lane of the Davao City Bypass in the third quarter of 2025.
  • The 2.3-kilometer twin-tube tunnel is the first in the country built using the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM).
  • The bypass aims to ease traffic and cut travel time between key areas in Davao Region.
Excavation works continue inside the southbound tunnel of the Davao City Bypass using the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM), with only 32 meters remaining as of July 2025. (Photo: DPWH)
Excavation works continue inside the southbound tunnel of the Davao City Bypass using the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM), with only 32 meters remaining as of July 2025. (Photo: DPWH)
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is targeting the breakthrough of the southbound tunnel of the 45.5-kilometer Davao City Bypass within the third quarter of 2025.
In a report to DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan, Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain said only 32 meters of excavation remain under Contract Package I-1, which is being implemented by the Shimizu–Ulticon–Takenaka Joint Venture.
The northbound tunnel, which broke through in April, is now undergoing tunnel lining and road paving.
On July 18, Sadain led a site inspection in Davao City, accompanied by Unified Project Management Office (UPMO) officials, including Project Director Benjamin A. Bautista and former RMC I Director Virgilio C. Castillo.
The twin mountain tunnels are the centerpiece of the 10.7-kilometer Contract Package I-1, which also includes a four-lane road, three bridge pairs totaling 500 meters, two underpasses, two overpasses, 12 box culverts, and four at-grade intersections.
As of July 2025, the package’s overall physical accomplishment stands at 60.64 percent.
An aerial view shows the ongoing construction of the twin mountain tunnels and bridge approaches under the 10.7-kilometer Contract Package I-1 of the Davao City Bypass Road Project in Davao City. (Photo: DPWH)
An aerial view shows the ongoing construction of the twin mountain tunnels and bridge approaches under the 10.7-kilometer Contract Package I-1 of the Davao City Bypass Road Project in Davao City. (Photo: DPWH)
Excavation works are being carried out using the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM), with tunnel support systems such as steel ribs, rock bolts, shotcrete, and drainage systems to ensure stability through fault-prone zones.
Once completed, the bypass will connect the Davao–Digos section of the Maharlika Highway to the Davao–Agusan National Highway in Panabo City, significantly cutting travel time and easing congestion in the Davao Region.
The project is funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) under Official Development Assistance through Loan Agreements PH-P261, PH-P273, and PH-P282.

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