Davao Bypass southbound tunnel pierces mountains, opens fast lane for Mindanao
By Trixee Rosel
At A Glance
- DPWH achieves breakthrough in Davao City Bypass southbound tunnel.
- 2.3-km tube forms part of the country's first long-distance mountain road tunnel.
- Project seen to ease travel and boost Mindanao's connectivity.
Workers inspect the breakthrough of the 2.3-kilometer southbound tube of the Davao City Bypass on August 30, 2025, part of the country’s first long-distance mountain road tunnel project of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
The 2.3-kilometer southbound tube of the Davao City Bypass broke through on Saturday, Aug. 30, bringing the country’s first long-distance mountain road tunnel closer to operation under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
DPWH senior officials, joined by representatives from Japan and the Mindanao Development Authority, led the ceremony that marked the breakthrough as a logistics milestone for Mindanao and a key part of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s “Build Better More” program.
The breakthrough follows the completion of the northbound tube’s excavation in April 2025, forming part of the twin-tube structure—each measuring 10 meters in diameter—under Contract Package 1-1 of the 45.5-kilometer bypass road.
Implemented by the Shimizu–Ulticon–Takenaka Joint Venture, the package covers 10.7 km of four-lane highway, three bridges, two underpasses, and six access roads.
It is 61 percent complete and targeted for delivery by October 2026.
The entire project is funded through loans from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) with Philippine counterpart financing.
As of August, 9.62 km have been completed, while 26.12 km are under construction across other contract packages.
Completion targets for active sections range from January 2026 to November 2027, while procurement is ongoing for the remaining portions.
DPWH said the full 45.5-km corridor is expected to be operational by 2028, within President Marcos’ term.
Once completed, the bypass is projected to cut travel time across Davao City and strengthen connectivity between communities and markets in southern Mindanao.