ILOILO – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 6 was asked to open the inner lanes of Ungka flyover for the whole day.
Cong. Michael Gorriceta of the 2nd District sent a letter last week addressed to DPWH-6 officer-in-charge Engr. Sanny Boy Oropel requesting to consider opening the flyover for longer hours to ease traffic, especially this holiday season.
“The flyover is located within the border of Iloilo City and the second district. It has been our constant goal to look after the welfare of our constituents, especially those residing in the towns covering the district who have been passing through the flyover daily and using it for an easier means of travel,” Gorriceta said in the letter.
He added: “In this regard, considering the structural integrity and safety of the Ungka flyover, may I respectfully request its full reopening from December 2023 to January 2024 to accommodate the numerous motorists this coming holiday season and to lessen the burdensome traffic that we are expecting in these busy months,”
He also cited the holiday destinations in Iloilo City that attract volumes of vehicles.
The solon clarified with Panay News that he hopes for, at least, an extension of the current windowed opening.
“Ginbutang ko nga full opening, pero ang ayu dira basi kon i-longer hours ang pag-open kay kon buksan ma-notice nga indi ma-traffic sa area, daku nga bulig kon buksan,” he said.
On Sept. 22, DPWH-6 decided to open the two inner lanes of the Ungka flyover to light vehicles from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., from Monday to Saturday.
As of Oropel’s latest update, no further structural displacements were observed, particularly on the flyover’s piers 4, 5, and 6. To ensure the safety of motorists, DPWH-6 monitors the structure daily.
The reopening of the flyover comes with certain regulations:
* Only the two inner lanes of the four-lane flyover will be open.
* Access to the flyover will be restricted to rush hours, from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Beyond these hours, barriers will block access to the flyover.
Only four-wheeled vehicles, such as traditional jeepneys, modernized units, and private vehicles, will be permitted on the flyover. Motorcycles, bicycles, and tricycles will not be allowed.
An overhead “gantry” will be installed to ensure that only authorized vehicles use the flyover./PN
