ILOILO City – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will fully open to traffic the Ungka flyover today, according to Mayor Jerry Treñas who chairs the Infrastructure Development Committee of the Regional Development Council.
But while the flyover will be accessible starting today, there is still work to be done. DPWH will continue installing steel railings on flyover’s parapet.
“So I appeal to motorists and pedestrians to remain cautious and follow all traffic guidelines for everyone’s safety,” said Treñas.
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.
The P680-million flyover then undergoing rectification costing P300 million more, ballooning the total price to nearly P1 billion.
Earlier this month, Treñas requested Regional Director Sanny Boy Oropel of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to expedite the opening of the flyover ahead of its initial target date of December 25.
He made the announcement of the Ungka flyover’s opening late afternoon yesterday.
In an interview on Sunday morning, Oropel brushed off earlier reports that the flyover might open on December 23.
“Our official statement remains: December 25. We have not changed the schedule,” Oropel said.
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.
According to Treñas, fully opening the Ungka flyover will ease traffic congestion in the area and bring significant benefits to commuters this holiday season.
DPWH has been racing against time to meet its self-imposed target to fully open the Ungka flyover to traffic on December 25.
24/7 Operations
According to Oropel, contractor International Builders Corporation (IBC) has been working around the clock for over a month to ensure all major works are completed on time.
Currently, construction efforts are focused on installing horizontal steel railings to enhance safety and facilitate vehicle maneuverability in case of accidents.
“The parapet walls have been lowered to make it easier to tow vehicles to the opposite lane in the event of emergencies,” said Oropel.
The Ungka flyover will accommodate all types of four-wheeled vehicles, including modernized jeepneys and public utility vehicles, while barring heavy trucks, trailers, motorcycles, and oversized vehicles.
“We will coordinate with the traffic management bureaus of Iloilo City and Pavia to ensure compliance with traffic regulations, especially during nighttime operations,” Oropel said.
Signages will also be installed at both ends of the flyover to guide motorists.
Meanwhile, asphalt overlaying on the lower deck, are expected to continue until January 2025./PN
