The regional office of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH 11) has set its timeline for the opening of the 2.7 kilometer-Davao City Coastal Bypass Road which stretches from Bago Aplaya to Talomo section by the end of August this year.
Dean Ortiz, chief information officer of DPWH 11, said in a phone interview that the agency will open the said section which will feature bike and jogging lanes. He also said an esplanade will be added for tourism-related convergence.
“The feature of the coastal road is not only as access to any traffic, but also as tourism convergence area as there will be an esplanade or a park,” Ortiz said.
He said supposedly section was scheduled to open in May this year. However, it was delayed due to the health crisis.
“All projects will be minus two months accomplishments. This is the reason why we are planning to open the Bago Aplaya-Talomo section in late August,” he said.
He added that a 650-linear meter bridge for Talomo-Punta Dumalag section is already underway.
Ortiz said DPWH 11 is hopeful for the completion of the whole stretch of the project from Punta Dumalag to Times Beach section then Roxas Avenue to Sta. Ana Wharf to Azuela Cove in Lanang, Davao City by 2023.
“Hope the project will not be paralyzed by another pandemic. We are looking forward with no more delays,” he said.
With the construction commenced in 2017, the Davao Coastal Road extends from Bago Aplaya in the South to R. Castillo in the North.
Destruction of cyclone fences
Ortiz also said that DPWH 11 is now seeking for the cooperation of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and barangay officials of Talomo and Bago Aplaya after the agency has received reports that the cyclone fences set up in a portion of Bago Aplaya-Talomo section are being destroyed by the residents in the area.
“Deliberately destroyed by the residents para naa sila access to do some gardening. The area is very spacious. Contractors cannot apprehend but the police can,” he said.
