ILOILO City – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 6 assured the public that the Ungka Flyover, located in Barangay Ungka II, Pavia, Iloilo, remains safe for light vehicles and commuters despite the detection of superficial cracks in the structure’s parapet walls.
Engr. Sonny Boy Oropel, the regional director, said the cracks were superficial.
Still, he said ongoing remedial measures are being implemented to maintain safety.
Oropel said Monolithic Construction & Concrete Products, Inc., the contractor currently performing jet grouting repair works on the flyover, has been instructed to remove any parts of the parapet wall where cracks appear to prevent debris from falling.
Additionally, DPWH-6 plans to install safety nets around piers 9, 10, 4, 5, and 6 to catch any potential debris and protect the traffic and pedestrians below.
An inspection last week revealed the extent of the cracks. Jet grouting and vibrations from traffic have led to their development.
The Ungka flyover is undergoing jet grouting repair due to vertical displacement at its piers 4, 5, and 6.
“We have made necessary adjustments to correct these issues, and we are closely monitoring the situation with our contractor to ensure safety. I assure all commuters and the public that the flyover is still safe for light vehicles, and we will promptly restore any affected parts of the parapet wall following the jet grouting process,” said Oropel.
DPWH-6 is currently 72 percent through with Phase 1 of the jet grouting, aiming to complete it by the end of August 2024. Plans for a bidding process for the next phase are set for the same month, focusing on the affected piers.
Engr. Adam Abinales of Abinales Associates Engineers + Consultants recommended installing additional bored piles at piers 4, 5, and 6 to further stabilize the structure. This process may require the removal and replacement of existing pre-stressed concrete girders to accommodate the large equipment needed for drilling.
Abinales advised that the additional piles should extend up to a depth of at least 40 meters, compared to the current depth of 26 to 28 meters at the affected piers./PN
