ILOILO City – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Western Visayas is racing to complete and reopen two controversial flyover projects, as construction and repair works intensify following structural concerns and prolonged delays.
DPWH Region 6 confirmed that work is in full swing on both the Aganan Flyover in Pavia, Iloilo and the Buhang Flyover in Jaro district, with strict timelines now set to restore public confidence and ensure motorist safety.
At the Aganan Flyover, construction has resumed after more than three years of stoppage, with engineers currently undertaking critical foundation strengthening activities. These include fabrication and installation of shoring to support the grouting system, drilling operations, and jet grouting works by contractor International Builders Corporation.
Regional Director Denise Maria Ayag said the northbound lane of the Aganan Flyover, heading toward Iloilo International Airport, is targeted to open by December 2026, while the southbound portion toward Iloilo City is scheduled for completion by March 2027.
Meanwhile, urgent repair works continue at the Buhang Flyover, where structural defects prompted a comprehensive reassessment of the entire structure.
“Patuloy ang isinasagawang pagsasaayos sa Buhang Flyover upang matiyak ang kaligtasan at kapakanan ng mga motorista bago ito muling buksan sa publiko,” DPWH-6 said.
Rectification efforts are ongoing across multiple segments, including the installation of scaffolding and the replacement of defective slabs. Some sections have already been completed, while others are undergoing further correction.
Ayag said the flyover is now targeted for reopening in May 2026 after additional defects were discovered.
“Target ko siguro with the ongoing corrections mga May,” Ayag said.
Ayag explained that the reopening was initially set after the Lenten season, but timelines were extended after engineers identified more cracks in several slabs.
Further testing, including rebound hammer tests conducted by DPWH-6, revealed that multiple spans failed to meet required standards and needed to be redone.
The extensive repairs were also triggered by an inspection conducted by DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon on January 19, during which falling concrete was observed on the structure, prompting immediate orders for full repair at the contractor’s expense.
DPWH-6 said all corrective measures are being implemented to ensure the flyover’s structural integrity before reopening it to the public./PN
