Davao City Unveils Ambitious Superhighway Project to Alleviate Traffic Congestion

 

Davao City Proposes New Superhighway to Ease Traffic Congestion

In response to the increasing traffic congestion caused by the rapid urbanization of Davao City, a new superhighway is being proposed to run parallel to the current diversion road. Mario Luis J. Jacinto, the City Planning and Development Coordinator, shared that the planned 44-kilometer bypass road aims to improve the flow of both people and goods traveling from Bunawan to Sirawan.

The highway is designed to offer an alternative route for travelers heading to Davao del Sur and Bukidnon. With a 30-meter-wide expansion, the road will be able to accommodate various vehicles, including trucks.

“The goal of the bypass is simple: if a traveler does not need to enter congested or developed areas along the current national road system, they can take this alternative route,” explained Jacinto.

Notably, certain sections of the proposed road will include tunnel structures, particularly in high-elevation areas like Waan, Magtuod, and Langub, situated across the Davao River from north to south.

Jacinto also pointed out that the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is currently in the final stages of a feasibility study for the project, which is expected to be completed by mid-year.

"The outcome of this project will depend on the findings of the feasibility study and the national government’s priorities," Jacinto added. "JICA is highly invested in the project due to its importance as part of a bilateral agreement."

As part of the preparation, JICA has already dispatched technical teams to conduct surveys of the ground, assess potential land ownership, and review the proposed road alignment. The Davao City government has also been actively supporting these efforts by providing technical assistance.

Earlier, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) issued a report indicating that while major urban roads in Davao City have been expanded to four lanes, these roads are still insufficient to mitigate the ongoing traffic congestion.

“Traffic flow to and from Sasa and Panabo ports is frequently disrupted, affecting the transportation of goods,” the report noted. “Despite attempts to widen these roads, traffic during peak hours still moves at a crawl. Even outside of peak hours, the roads remain manageable, but with the rapid growth of traffic in the area, these roads will soon face daily congestion.”