The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) announced that it is hastening the construction of the 45.5-km Davao City Bypass Tunnel project in Davao City.
Construction of Davao City Bypass Tunnel
According to the DPWH, the construction project was delayed due to the late arrivals of special equipment and Japanese experts. This is caused by the pandemic which delayed the issuance of permits. The government agency is now on the move to make up for the delay and finish the project on time.
DPWH is currently conducting simultaneous tunneling activities at the northbound and southbound directions of the project’s north portal. Led by project director Akira Mato, the group of Shimizu-Ulticon-Takenaka is undertaking the construction of contract package I-1 which covers 10.7-km of 4-lane highway.
The government agency is fast-tracking the tunnel project
To give a brief background, the 45.5-km Davao City Bypass Tunnel is divided into six packages: package I-1 (10.7 km), package I-2 (12.8 km), package I-3 (6.1 km), package II-1 (2.7 km), package II-2 (3.5 km), and package II-3 (9.7 km).
Safety is prioritized within the construction of the tunnel project. It is ensured to be designed with a better seismic resiliency for the convenience of motorists. Basic aspects of safety such as social distancing and wearing personal protective equipment are always observed at the workplace.
Upon completion, the Davao City Bypass Tunnel is expected to reduce the travel time between Brgy. Sirawan in Toril District Davao City and Brgy. J.P. Laurel in Panabo City from one hour and 44 minutes via Pan-Philippine Highway Diversion Road to just 49 minutes.
Minimum health safety protocols are observed within the workplace
The Davao City Bypass Tunnel is just one of the many projects aimed to improve mobility in Mindanao. Davao City saw the opening of the 55-km bike lane which provides a safe route for cyclists. This project also helps reduce carbon emissions from motor vehicles as it encourages motorists to use bicycles.
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