MANILA -The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is ramping up big-ticket infrastructure projects in Davao, including the Davao City Bypass project and the Davao City Coastal Road, as it seeks to enhance mobility in one of the country’s popular destinations.
Maria Catalina Cabral, Public Works Undersecretary for Planning and Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Services, said the P46-billion bypass road was slated to be completed in 2027.
The 45.88-kilometer highway is divided into several contract packages, which are in different stages of progress. Some segments have started with civil works.
P46.8-billion Davao bypass road project begins
The project seeks to cut travel time between Barangay Sirawan in Toril District, Davao City, and Barangay J.P. Laurel in Panabo City to 44 minutes from 1 hour and 44 minutes. Over 15,000 daily travelers are projected to benefit from this infrastructure.
The highway is funded by loan agreements with Japan International Cooperation Agency.
The Talomo-Matina bridge of the Davao City Coastal Road project is targeted to be completed next month, according to Cabral. The Davao River bridge, meanwhile, is undergoing engineering design planning.
The 16.9-km coastal road is a 23-meter wide, four-lane road. Included in this project is the construction of 17 bridges.
It is divided into four segments: Bago Aplaya-Times Beach, Times Beach-Roxas Avenue, Roxas Avenue-Sta. Ana Wharf Road and Sta. Ana Wharf Road-Alcantara.
The P33.77-billion project, which is funded locally and through official development assistance, aims to cut travel time from Toril to Poblacion to 15 minutes from 45 minutes. It is designed to cater to 7,500 motorists per day.
The DPWH is also aiming to complete by the fourth quarter the consulting services and the right-of-way acquisition plan for the 73.7-km Metro Cebu Expressway project.
The first segment is designed to link Minglanilla, Talisay, Cebu City, Mandaue and Consolacion. The second segment will then connect the expressway to Danao City, while the last segment will bridge Naga City and Minglanilla.
The P94.07-billion expressway aims to cut travel time from Naga to Danao in less than an hour from 3 hours.