THE DEPARTMENT of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) announced that the excavation of the southbound tunnel is nearing its breakthrough phase.
In a press release on Tuesday, DPWH said the parallel southbound tunnel is about 32 meters away from breakthrough, expected by the third quarter of 2025.
Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain noted that the 2.3-kilometer northbound tunnel continues to undergo technical refinements.
“These intensified measures are designed to ensure ground stability, construction safety, and overall project resilience,” Sadain said.
The Shimizu–Ulticon–Takenaka Joint Venture is implementing the refinements in response to evolving ground conditions.
The northbound was marked by a ceremonial breakthrough in April 2025.
On July 18, 2025, Senior Undersecretary Sadain, along with DPWH Roads Management Cluster 1 – Unified Project Management Office (UPMO-RMC 1) Project Director Benjamin A. Bautista, conducted a site inspection of Contract Package I-1, which includes the twin-tube two-lane tunnels, a key engineering feature of the entire bypass road.
DPWH reported Contract Package I-1, which spans from Sta. 12+800 to Sta. 23+500, has reached 60.64% physical completion.
In addition to the twin-tube tunnels, this segment includes a 7.9-kilometer four-lane road; three pairs of bridges totaling 500 meters in length—including the Davao River Bridge; two underpasses; two overpasses; 12 box culverts; and four at-grade intersections.
Once completed, the Davao City Bypass Construction Project—connecting the Davao–Digos Section of the Maharlika Highway to the Davao–Agusan National Highway in Panabo City—is expected to enhance regional mobility and reduce travel time between Davao City, Panabo City, and nearby areas.
