ILOILO – Despite the “vertical displacement” observed, the P680-million newly-opened four-lane Ungka flyover in Barangay Ungka II, Pavia town remains “structurally stable and safe”, insisted the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 6.
The flyover was, however, ordered indefinitely closed beginning Sunday, Sept. 18, for further observation to come up with appropriate engineering interventions.
According to DPWH-6 assistant regional director, Engineer Jose Al Fruto, based on the physical observation of their engineers and those from DPWH’s central office, there are no signs of distress on the flyover such as cracks, crumbling or disintegration.
Even the flyover’s asphalt flooring showed no manifestations of breaking or fissures, Fruto added.
“Based sa aton observation, I can conclude that it is physically, structurally safe. Lantawon mo ang columns wala cracks. Girders wala man,” Fruto told Panay News.
“Even sa babaw wala man manifestation sang any buka or what, even the asphalt,” said he added.
The only observation noted by DPWH engineers, Fruto said, is the “very minimal vertical displacement” in a portion of the flyover.
But even this, Fruto stressed, does not affect the structure’s integrity.
The vertical displacement, however, has to be addressed, he said, thus the closure for further observations so that the appropriate engineering intervention could be determined and introduced to the flyover.
“Curable ina sia,” said the assistant regional director.
The temporary closure is an exercise of “extreme caution”, he added, because public safety is DPWH’s priority.
During the closure and period of observation, DPWH-6 will also focus on the structural behavior of the flyover – if there is tilting and vibrations.
Fruto said DPWH-6 will also come up with flyover usage guidelines and place warning devices and signage.
Among others, he said, trucks and overloaded vehicles would be barred from using the flyover.
Fruto said engineers inspecting the flyover are expected to make their recommendations, which will then be carried out by DPWH-6’s flyover contractor – International Builders Corporation.
“We have to do it immediately para ma-arrest ang displacement,” he said.
Fruto expressed hope that the flyover’s closure won’t be prolonged.
The Ungka flyover is 453.7 lineal meters long on bored pile foundation, including the approaches. Construction started on January 2020.
The flyover passes over the busy intersection of the Sen. Benigno S. Aquino Jr. Avenue (Diversion Road) and the President Corazon C. Aquino Avenue (Circumferential Road 1). It aims to decongest traffic in the area and shorten the travel time to the Iloilo Airport (in Cabatuan, Iloilo) from Iloilo City in just 20 minutes./PN
