The Davao City Coastal Road, also referred to as Coastal Bypass Road, is a four-lane coastal bypass highway in Davao City, Philippines. Spanning approximately 17.8 kilometers, it serves as an alternative coastal highway, designed to reduce traffic congestion while also functioning as a storm-surge barrier and public promenade.
Construction of Davao City Coastal Road began in 2017 during the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte. It was planned as part of a broader effort to decongest primary roadways including MacArthur Highway and Quimpo Boulevard.
The project is divided into several phases:
Segment A, stretching from Bago Aplaya to Tulip Drive, spans approximately 8 kilometers. It was the first segment to be opened, initially for pedestrian and recreational use before being made accessible to vehicular traffic.
Further segments extend the road northward through several coastal barangays, reaching Sta. Ana Wharf and connecting to R. Castillo Street. The full route forms a coastal belt approximately 17.8 kilometers in total length.
Design and features
Davao City Coastal Road combines transport utility with coastal protection and public recreational use. Key features include:
Dedicated bicycle lanes and pedestrian walkways
Linear parks, green spaces, and seaside promenades
Multiple roundabouts, viewing decks, and access points to the shoreline
In addition to improving mobility, the road functions as a storm-surge barrier and breakwater, providing coastal defense for vulnerable communities.
Construction and funding
As of 2024, approximately 12 kilometers of the road have been completed. The project also includes the construction of 17 bridges, the largest being Bucana Bridge, which connects the southern and northern ends across the Davao River.
The total estimated cost of the project is around ₱33.8 billion. Funding sources include allocations from the national infrastructure budget and foreign development assistance. Full completion is expected by 2026.[1]
Usage and regulations
Sections of the road are designated for “Car-Free Sundays”, during which only pedestrians, cyclists, and fitness enthusiasts are allowed between set hours.[2] Traffic regulations limit access for heavy vehicles above 4.5 tons, and prohibit buses, public utility jeepneys (PUJs), and tricycles to preserve road quality and manage flow.
Impact
The road is projected to significantly reduce travel time from southern districts like Toril to downtown Davao, cutting travel duration from over one hour to about 30 minutes. It supports urban mobility, enhances logistics efficiency, and opens coastal areas to future development.
As a storm-surge protection infrastructure, it also strengthens the city's resilience to climate-related risks.[3]
Future plans
Future expansions include direct connections to the proposed Davao City Expressway and Davao–Bukidnon Road via the Ulas Viaduct, along with enhanced pedestrian pathways and expanded green infrastructure.[4]
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AH 26 (N1) (MacArthur Highway), Davao City
N916 (R. Castillo St.), Davao City