Davao City's Ma-a–Magtuod Flyover Officially Opens to Public After Protracted Construction
The Ma-a–Magtuod Flyover in Davao City is now fully operational and open to the public starting today, March 2, 2026. Motorists and vehicles can freely utilize the newly opened flyover, which is expected to significantly improve traffic flow in the area. This opening marks the culmination of a project that faced numerous delays and public scrutiny over several years.
Project Details and Infrastructure Features
Located at the critical junction of Maa Road and Magtuod along the Carlos P. Garcia National Highway, commonly known as Diversion Road, the flyover was formally unveiled during a blessing ceremony on February 28 by the Department of Public Works and Highways Davao office. The structure spans approximately 800 meters with four lanes, featuring widened approaches, comprehensive drainage systems, safety railings, and solar-powered street lights. By allowing vehicles to bypass ground-level intersections, the flyover aims to alleviate chronic congestion that has plagued this key transport route in Metro Davao.
DPWH-Davao Spokesperson Dean Ortiz expressed optimism about the project's impact, stating: "We are hopeful that this will greatly help in solving the traffic problem here in Davao City. The right-of-way has been a major challenge for us, which is why the project was somewhat delayed." Ortiz clarified that while the flyover is now open, work continues on widening access roads at both ends of the bridge, as part of the project includes restoring roads affected by the bridge construction.
New Traffic Regulations and Implementation
To complement the new infrastructure, the City Transport and Traffic Management Office has implemented specific traffic regulations designed to ensure smoother vehicle flow:
- Extra-heavy vehicles are prohibited during peak hours from Monday to Friday, between 5 to 9 a.m. and 4 to 8 p.m.
- Left turns are prohibited when exiting Davao Christian High School, while regulated left turns are permitted for vehicles entering the school from the flyover during the same hours.
- Vehicles from Maa Road heading toward the school or southbound C.P. Garcia Highway must follow designated U-turn routes.
- Vehicles from Magtuod Road heading northbound are instructed to turn right and make U-turns ahead.
Traffic enforcers and signage have been deployed throughout the area to guide motorists and ensure compliance with these new regulations.
Construction Delays and Political Controversies
The flyover's construction, which originally began in 2021, faced persistent challenges including right-of-way issues, funding concerns, and utility relocations. In mid-2025, political tensions escalated when a large tarpaulin appeared near the construction site, accusing the national government under President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and then House Speaker Martin Romualdez of political interference, withholding funds, and slow action by the DPWH.
DPWH officials swiftly dismissed these allegations as false and misleading, clarifying that the project had been fully funded since 2022 and that delays stemmed primarily from right-of-way complications rather than political obstruction. Supporters of the project highlighted the groundwork laid by the Duterte administration's infrastructure initiatives, while critics pointed to the extended timeline as evidence of lingering bureaucratic hurdles.
Coordination Efforts and Final Push for Completion
As late as December 2025, the Mindanao Development Authority had projected the flyover would be completed before year-end. During a year-end Business Forum at NCCC Victoria Plaza on December 5, MinDA Secretary Leo Tereso Magno acknowledged that the project faced delays due to right-of-way issues, including acquiring mortgaged properties and relocating utility poles. Magno noted that contractors remained hopeful the remaining components could be finished before the end of 2025, though the official opening ultimately occurred in March 2026.
The 21st Davao City Council played a crucial role in accelerating completion by forming an Ad Hoc Committee in August 2025. This committee coordinated with DPWH, utility firms, and other stakeholders to resolve right-of-way and coordination challenges that had hampered progress. With the flyover now operational, officials and commuters alike anticipate significant improvements in travel times along one of Metro Davao's most vital transport corridors.
