ILOILO – Motorists and commuters were given the heads up: Roads parallel to the 453.70-meter stretch of the flyover being constructed in Barangay Ungka II, Pavia town will be temporarily closing again soon.
The installation of girders will resume in the early weeks of May, according to Assistant Director Jose Al V. Fruto of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Region 6.
Eight girders each will be installed on the remaining three spans of the flyover “to complete na ang eight spans dira nga side,” Fruto told Panay News.
The DPWH said it’s the same road enclosure – from the U-turn slot near the exit of the Christ the King in Barangay Ungka, Jaro district up to the intersection of Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr. Avenue and President Corazon Aquino Avenue (Circumferential Road) – like what was implemented on March 15 to 21.
Also, the alternative routes remain the same.
* For motorists from Balabago, Jaro district; Leganes and Dumangas going to Iloilo City:
1. Circumferential Road to Barangay Tacas–Quintin Salas–Jaro Plaza
2. Circumferential Road–Buhang–Jaro Plaza
3. Iloilo Capiz Road (New Route)–Jaro Plaza
*For motorists from Iloilo City going to central towns (Santa Barbara, Cabatuan, Maasin, Janiuay, Lambunao, and Calinog)
1. Jaro–Quintin Salas–Barangay Tacas–Pavia Road
2. Jaro–Circumferential Road–City Mall Pavia–Pavia
3. Jaro–Mandurriao–Jibao-an–Circumferential Road–Pavia
* For motorists from central towns
1. Pavia–Barangay Tacas–Quintin Salas–Jaro Plaza
2. Pavia–Barangay Jibao-an–(Bangga Singko)–Mandurriao
3. Santa Barbara–Taft Street–Agutayan Road–Pagsanga-an Road–Tacas, Jaro district
4. Pavia–Circumferential Road–Old Railway Road–Ungka ITGSI Terminal
Fruto said his crews could finish installing the remaining 24 girders in three to four days.
Moreover, the DPWH official reiterated that they would complete on time the construction of the P680-million flyover.
“Actually indi ko makuha ang insakto nga percentage (completion) but I think we’re on target man sang schedule naton. We are looking into completion bag-o matapos ang first quarter of next year,” Fruto said.
He also revealed that the project’s next phase – installation of the deck or riding surface – is underway.
“Naga-start naman kita dira sang decking. Na-install ta na ang girders so nagakabit na kita sang mga hangers para maka-start sang concrete,” Fruto explained.
Project contractor International Builders Corp. began the actual construction in January 2020. It was original given 18 months to complete the project.
But according to Fruto, due to delayed funds and the coronavirus pandemic, “nag-untat gid kita sang construction.”
At the height of the community quarantine last year, work was put on hold; DPWH had to wait for protocols that construction workers must observe.
Work for road widening on either side of the flyover would begin, too.
A four-lane road (two lanes on both sides) is being planned.
Those residing parallel to the flyover’s stretch would surely be affected but Fruto said there is an ongoing negotiation for compensation./PN
