DAVAO CITY (PIA) --The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is speeding up the completion of the 2.3-kilometer twin mountain tunnel project located in Davao City.

The road tunnel project located in Magtuod, Davao City, is the first long-distance mountain tunnel project in the Philippines.

Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain, in -charge of DPWH Infrastructure Flagship Projects (IFPs), said that the 45-kilometer Davao City Bypass Construction Project has achieved significant milestones in the construction of its major component, which is the 2.3-kilometer twin mountain road tunnel and part of the 10.7-kilometer Contract Package I-1.

The Unified Project Management Office -– Roads Management Cluster 1 (UPMO-RMC I), with joint venture contractor Shimizu-Ulticon-Takenaka, has completed about 80 percent of the tunnel excavation activities and is now undergoing concrete lining and waterproofing for the north and south portals.

Sadain, along with UPMO-RMC I Project Director Benjamin A. Bautista and Project Director Rodrigo I. Delos Reyes of UPMO- - Bridges Management Cluster, recently conducted an inspection on April 5 at the tunnel project, ensuring adherence to safety standards and progress towards completion.

Contract Package I-1 has a total estimated cost of P13.23 billion and is financed by a loan agreement between the Philippine Government and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

I-1 is one of the subdivided contract packages under Package 1 targeted to be completed in the first quarter of 2025.

The two contract packages under I-1 includes:

Contract Package I-3 involves the construction of the 5.6-kilometer, four-lane road with one  bridge, two cut- and- cover tunnels, 12 culverts, and one overpass., It started its civil works in December 2023. This will complement Contract Package I-1.

Contract Package I-2 has its contract agreement for the civil works underway after the Letter of Acceptance and the Notice of Award were subsequently issued in November 2023.

Package 2 of the bypass road project is locally funded by the Government of the Philippines (GoP) and is subdivided into three packages. It is currently at 36 percent accomplishment status and targeted to finish in the first quarter of 2026. (RGA/PIA Davao)