ILOILO City – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Region 6 said it would complete on time the installation of the first set of girders on the P480-million flyover being constructed in Barangay Ungka II, Pavia, Iloilo on Sunday, March 21.
Originally, some 32 girders were planned for installation within the week (beginning March 15) but DPWH-6 assistant regional director Al Fruto ordered an additional eight “kay dasig lang man ang pag-ubra.”
One girder could take about 30 minutes to install, Fruto said.
As of Friday morning, a total of 22 girders have been put up.
However, Fruto said there were still difficulties. There’s a short interruption on the installation on Wednesday, he said.
“Nagka-manifest sang breaking down ang truck adjuster sang isa ka crane, amo na sia ang naga-lift gid, naga-leak ang oil so kinahanglan naton i-repair,” said Fruto.
Work resumed on Thursday afternoon.
Motorists and commuters can expect starting Monday next week, the road section – from the U-turn slot near the exit of Christ the King Memorial Park in Barangay Ungka, Jaro, Iloilo City up to the intersection of the Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr. Avenue and President Corazon Aquino Avenue (Circumferential Road) – will be back to its original traffic.
To note, there has been a traffic shift since Monday.
The DPWH, in coordination with the local government unit of Pavia, set these alternative routes:
* 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 (Sta. 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. Sta. Barbara–Taft Street–Agutayan Road–Pagsanga-an Road–Tacas, Jaro district
4. Pavia–Circumferential Road–Old Railway Road–Ungka ITGSI Terminal
SECOND BATCH
The DPWH-6 is eyeing to install the next set of girders after the Holy Week (March 28-April 3).
Fruto said they have yet to determine how many girders they have to install next because “magadepende ini sa curing period sang girders nga gina-obra sang contractor.”
“We are giving our motorists two weeks to prepare,” he added.
The official is also asking for consideration from the motorists and commuters being affected.
DPWH-6 also set a new target date of completion: first quarter of 2022, “barring any untoward circumstances.”
Fruto expressed confidence that they could beat the new deadline.
“Kay na-download naman sa DPWH-6 ang pundo para sa completion,” he said.
After the installation of the girders, DPWH would install a deck or riding surface. 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 with them./PN
