DAVAO CITY – The Department of Public Works and Highways-11 postponed the inauguration of the Davao Coastal Road Segment B, just a day after acting Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte criticized the planned opening as “premature” due to safety concerns.
DPWH-11, in a public advisory on Tuesday, Dec. 16, cited public safety as the reason for the delay. They said that additional safety measures and evaluations are being conducted to ensure the protection of all motorists and road users.
The DPWH expressed regret for any inconvenience caused and asked for public understanding, stressing that the welfare of the public remains their top priority. They added that they will issue updates once the road segment is ready for opening.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced the opening of the bridge on Monday, Dec. 15, following an inspection on Dec. 4. He said the new road is expected to reduce travel time from the city’s southern areas to downtown.
Duterte, in a statement issued at 5 p.m. Monday –the original time set for the bridge opening – warned that only two of the four lanes would be operational, potentially posing risks to motorists and commuters.
An inspection conducted by the Davao City Road Project Advisory and Monitoring Board on Sunday found that only two lanes were almost completion, and one exit still lacked streetlights and safety signage.
Duterte emphasized that Segment B of the Davao City Coastal Road remains under the jurisdiction of the DPWH as it has not yet been officially turned over to the local government unit.
He said the turnover raises safety concerns because the project is not yet finished. The DPWH, he added, has indicated that full completion of all four lanes of the bridge is still targeted for March.
Duterte criticized Marcos, noting the potential danger to people if safety measures are insufficient. “Should anything happen to Dabawenyos in that area because of inadequate streetlights and safety measures, that is on you and your stupidity,” he said.
Hours after Duterte’s remarks, DPWH-11 announced the postponement of the opening, rescheduling it for a later date.
As of Wednesday, the agency confirmed the opening “will not push through” but has not provided a new timeline.