Cebu city government in the Philippines is expected to invite international tenders soon for the construction of a US$45M tunnel as part of a coastal road on Cebu.
The scheme, which has been approved by the Philippines‚ National Economic and Development Authority, has been given the green light by the Japan Bank for International Cooperation, which is funding the project. Plans call for the construction of a dual two-lane 970m long structure comprising a 610m twin box tunnel about 30m wide, and a 360m reinforced concrete retaining structure. The scheme is due to be completed by 2008.
The tunnel would pass beneath the historic Plaza Independencia in Cebu city and link the recently constructed South Coastal Highway with the national road network.