ILOILO City – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) assured the public of the safety of the Ungka flyover in Barangay Ungka II, Pavia, Iloilo, as it reopened at full capacity on Monday morning, December 23.
The flyover was fully opened to public utility vehicles, except for dump trucks, transit mixers, wing vans, trailer trucks, motorcycles, tricycles, and bicycles, at exactly 6 a.m.
A low-key blessing ceremony followed at 9 a.m., attended by DPWH Region 6 assistant regional director Engr. Jose Al Fruto and personnel.
“We can really say it’s safe. It’s four lanes now, but we still ask for caution from motorists as we have remaining works to complete,” Fruto said during a media interview after the ceremony.
The four-lane, 453.7 lineal meters long Ungka flyover was constructed beginning January 2020 and opened to traffic on the first week of September 2022. But this was closed two weeks after due to vertical displacement or subsidence.
Remaining Works Underway
Fruto explained that while the flyover is now operational 24/7, ongoing work includes the installation of steel railings on the parapet wall and completing the asphalt overlay underneath the structure.
A speed limit of 40 kilometers per hour remains in place to ensure safety.
Iloilo City’s Mayor Jerry Treñas requested an earlier opening of the flyover — originally scheduled for December 25 — to address anticipated holiday traffic congestion.
“Opening earlier than planned is a noble intent to provide relief from the inconvenience caused by months of construction,” said Fruto.
The Ungka flyover stretches from Barangay Ungka, Jaro, Iloilo City to Barangay Ungka II, Pavia. Straddling the major intersection of the Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr. Avenue and President Corazon Aquino Avenue in Barangay Ungka II, it is meant to ease traffic congestion in this crucial point that leads in and out of Iloilo City.
Rectification Phases
The Phase 1 rectification of the flyover began in January 2024 and was initially scheduled for completion in May 2024. However, it was extended due to factors such as unfavorable weather and traffic disruptions.
Phase 1, which covered jet grouting for 13 piers undertaken by Monolithic Construction & Concrete Products, Inc., had a budget of P95 million.
Phase 2 rectification, which started in September 2024, involved geofoam installation, jet grouting for piers 4, 5, and 6, and the installation of steel railings.
This phase, handled by International Builders Corporation (IBC), had a budget of P200 million.
The flyover’s original cost was P680 million. Due to the repairs, its total cost ballooned to nearly P1 billion.
A Collaborative Effort
DPWH-6 regional director Sanny Boy Oropel commended the team’s efforts in overcoming challenges, including heavy rains, to meet the early opening target. “Despite the odds, we managed to open the flyover earlier. This is a testament to our commitment to public service,” Fruto added.
The Ungka flyover’s completion is expected to ease traffic congestion in the area, especially during the busy holiday season. The DPWH called for continued cooperation and patience from motorists as they finalize the remaining works./PN
