ILOILO City – Phase 1 of the repair of the defective P680-million Ungka flyover has started.
Davao City-based Monolithic Construction & Concrete Products, Inc. began laying out galvanized iron around piers 7, 8 and 9 with the supervision of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 6.
DPWH-6 officer-in-charge director, Engr. Sanny Boy Oropel, said the contractor laid out where to place the capping beam, which will serve as vertical support for the structure.
Once the concerned piers are enclosed, the contractor will immediately commence with jet grouting.
“Officially, it already started because we already laid out the piers nga unahon ta jet grout kag para makita sang mga tawo and that they will be expecting traffic congestion for that area,” Oropel told Panay News on Sunday morning, Jan. 21.
This means that the 120 calendar days stated in the contract already started on Wednesday, Jan. 17, and Oropel required the contractor to work within the timeline and finish within four months.
With this, DPWH-6 advised motorists to expect traffic congestion at the construction site since a portion of the road will be taken up by the galvanized iron covers.
But Oropel said they are seeking help from the Iloilo City Government and the local government unit of Pavia to manage traffic while the jet grouting is underway.
“Tagaan gid kita nila sang bulig nga ang traffic ma-organize sang maayo,” he said.
Oropel also ensured that they would implement proper housekeeping in the area, like having a water truck on standby to clean up the soil being dug up during the jet grouting.
“Indi sila makaagi sang mga higku, indi sila makaagi sa mga excavated material halin sa dalom, and there will be a standby water truck for them to clean,” he added.
Oropel himself will supervise the contractor during the jet grouting, considering DPWH-6’s supervision management is currently “at stake” over complaints of traffic in the area.
He also dismissed the possibility of halting the activity at the Ungka flyover during the highlight of the Dinagyang Festival and Jaro fiesta, as they would strictly follow the timeline.
Because of this, Oropel is asking for the understanding of motorists who may be affected.
Engr. Adam Abinales of Abinales Associates Engineers + Consultants had previously recommended additional bored piles as a solution for the settlement issues of some piers.
This approach will enhance the overall pile capacity but may require the removal and replacement of existing prestressed concrete girders.
For other piers, underpinning with intensive jet grouting is advised, reaching depths of up to 100 meters.
Currently, the inner lanes of the flyover are open from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. from Monday to Saturday./PN
