ILOILO – Is the P680-million newly-opened four-lane Ungka flyover in Barangay Ungka II, Pavia town structurally safe?
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is temporarily shutting down the flyover. It discovered “vertical displacement” or “settlement” in portions of the structure.
Since the flyover fully opened on Sept. 5, motorists have been complaining of a rough ride due to the uneven or “wavy”decking – the road or the rail surface of the flyover. Portions of it appear to have slumped.
This “vertical displacement” was described as “very minimal” by Engineer Jose Al Fruto, assistant regional director, but enough to compel a closure so that further observations could be done.
“Kay ti aton, first and foremost, paramount ang safety sang aton general public,” said Fruto.
The temporarily closure starts noon of Sept. 18.
Structural interventions may be introduced to the flyover, if necessary, said Fruto.
DPWH engineers estimated the “settlement” to be around two or three millimeters, he added.
“Amo na nga i-observe further para maka-come-up kita or institute sang structural intervention,” said Fruto.
What could have caused the “vertical displacement”?
Fruto could not say for certain but theorized that could be the flyover’s weight.
He also could not say how long would the closure last.
Fruto appealed for the public’s understanding.
“Motorists may experience moderate to heavy traffic in the area (due to the flyover closure) and are advised to take alternative routes to avoid inconvenience,” read a DPWH Region 6 public advisory.
The Ungka flyover is 453.7 lineal meters long on bored pile foundation, including the approaches. Construction started on January 2020. The contractor was International Builders Corp.
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 to just 20 minutes./PN
