ILOILO – As a “Christmas gift” to the Ilonggos, the flyover in Barangay Ungka II, Pavia, Iloilo will be fully operational by December 25, 2024, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has announced.
The rectification work on the defective flyover, which has been ongoing, will enter Phase 2 this week, said Regional Director Sanny Boy Oropel on Saturday, September 28, alongside former senator Franklin Drilon.
Phase 2, with a budget of P200 million, will be handled by contractor International Builders Corporation (IBC).
Phase 1 of the rectification, led by Monolithic Construction & Concrete Products, Inc., is currently 85% complete, focusing on jet grouting activities for several piers and parts of the structure.
Phase 2 will involve further repairs on piers 4, 5, 6, and other parts of the structure.
Initially, it was recommended that additional bored piles be installed on these piers. However, DPWH has decided instead to implement jet grouting activities without adding new bored piles.
Oropel emphasized that jet grouting will continue until the required depth and hard strata are reached, ensuring the structural stability of the flyover.
“By December 25, we aim to open the flyover to full traffic capacity, ensuring a smooth flow in time for the Dinagyang Festival in January 2025,” said Oropel.
Part of the rectification includes removing the asphalt overlay from piers 4, 5, and 6, replacing it with geofoam and a load distribution slab.
This design change will reduce the weight on the superstructure while maintaining its ability to handle the load of passing vehicles, said Oropel.
He assured the public that the geofoam material is a proven solution used in various construction projects and will contribute to the long-term stability of the flyover.
DPWH also confirmed that the two inner lanes of the flyover will remain open to traffic during the rectification process, and no additional budget will be required for these changes.
Once Phase 2 is completed, further improvements, such as the installation of railings and lights, will be considered to enhance the flyover’s appearance and functionality, potentially turning it into an iconic structure for Iloilo City.
“It’s encouraging to hear that the flyover will be fully operational by December 25. This project is one of the last major infrastructure initiatives I supported, and I’m glad to see it come to fruition,” Drilon said.
The Ungka flyover, with an original budget of P680 million, spans 453.7 meters and is designed to ease traffic congestion along the busy intersection of Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr. Avenue and President Corazon Aquino Avenue.
It was closed just two weeks after its initial opening in September 2022 due to structural issues, including the sinking of piers 4, 5, and 6.
The ongoing rectification works, which have a total budget of P300 million, aim to address these problems and ensure the safety of motorists.
When the Ungka flyover is fully repaired, its total cost would be nearly P1 billion./PN
