EXCAVATION ACTIVITIES for the twin tunnels of the 45.5-kilometer Davao City bypass road project will start in October, according to a Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) official.
“Construction of access road had started first quarter of 2021. Actual boring of tunnel will start third week of October,” DPWH Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain said in a text message.
The department announced Sunday the arrival of several heavy equipment that will be used for the tunnel boring.
It said on site are 56 equipment from Japan, France and Korea that will be used to excavate the two-tube mountain tunnels that will span 2.3 kilometers.
The tunnels are part of the bypass road’s first phase covering 7.9 kilometers, with three bridges, two underpasses, and two overpasses.
Project phase 1 is under a contract awarded to the joint venture companies of Shimizu Corporation, Ulticon Builders Inc., and Takenaka Civil Engineering and Construction Co, Ltd.
The bypass road, seen to improve cargo transport and logistics in the Davao Region, stretches from Toril in the southern part of Davao City to the neighboring city of Panabo in Davao del Norte.
The project is financed through a ¥34.83 billion, or about P15.78 billion, official development assistance from the Japanese government under a Special Terms for Economic Partnership loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). — Maya M. Padillo