Davao City bypass road opened

MANILA, Philippines — The Davao City coastal bypass road was opened to motorists yesterday morning, Malacañang announced.

The partial reopening of the Davao City coastal bypass road Segment B early this week was suspended after acting Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte claimed that the partial opening would be premature. 

“This is truly good news for our countrymen who are busy preparing for the upcoming Christmas celebration,” Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said at a press briefing.

“The Coastal Bypass Road is expected to help decongest heavy traffic from the southern part of Davao City to the downtown area,” she added.

Castro said the bypass road would reduce travel time from one hour to 20 to 25 minutes based on the estimates of the Department of Public Works and Highways.

Castro said the DPWH has assured the President that the road is safe for public use, citing completed safety measures, including the installation of additional solar street lights and guardrails and coordination with the local government. 

According to the DPWH, all four lanes of Segment B are set for completion by March next year.