The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) reported on Sunday, 13 April, that the longest road mountain tunnel in the country is nearing completion.

According to the DPWH, the 2.3-kilometer (km) twin-tube tunnel will serve as a key feature of the 45.5-km, four-lane Davao City Bypass Construction Project (DCBCP).

DPWH Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain said the DCBCP has recently completed a major milestone, as the north and south portal ends of the northbound tunnel were finally connected.

Sadain noted that the construction breakthrough of the northbound tunnel and the ongoing excavation works for the remaining 202 meters of the southbound tunnel are now 91 percent completed.

Once completed, Sadain said the DCBCP will offer motorists a safer and more efficient alternative route, effectively decongesting traffic within Davao City and enhancing regional connectivity.

It is also expected to drive economic growth, improve logistics, and connect communities, the DPWH official added.

Further, the Davao City Bypass is expected to reduce travel time between Toril and Panabo City from one hour and 44 minutes to just 49 minutes, stimulating economic activity, expanding business opportunities, and boosting tourism across the Davao Region and Mindanao.

Financed through a combination of a loan agreement with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and local government funds, the DCBCP spans from Barangay Sirawan in Toril, Davao City, to Barangay J.P. Laurel in Panabo City.