ILOILO City – Without fanfare, the P315-million flyover at the intersection of the Iloilo Circumferential Road and Iloilo-Capiz Road (new route) in Barangay Buhang, Jaro district opened to traffic yesterday morning.
Nerie Bueno, director of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 6, told Panay News the flyover would ease traffic congestion at the intersection, especially during rush hours.
The two-lane Buhang flyover has a length of 340 linear meters and a width of 10.34 meters.
Construction began in late 2020 and was supposed to be completed by the end of 2022. However, due to several weather disturbances that hit the region throughout the period, the contractor had difficulty sourcing quarry materials.
DPWH undersecretary Roberto R. Bernardo graced the flyover’s opening. He was here to attend the meeting of the Regional Development Council’s (RDC) Infrastructure Development Committee chaired by Mayor Jerry Treñas.
“Walang program. Actually, (there was) a short message only (from the undersecretary), at kami lang rin (in the DPWH-6 were around for the opening),” said Bueno.
As to the road widening beneath the flyover, the DPWH-6 director said they already requested a budget from the central office, but work could start in 2024 yet due to issues with landowners.
DPWH-6 assistant director Jose Al Fruto earlier said the Iloilo City District Engineering Office (ICDEO) will impose regulations to protect the Buhang flyover’s structure, like restricting articulated trucks, more than three-axle vehicles, dump trucks with more than 10 wheels, wing vans, bicycles, tricycles, and motorcycles.
Engr. Edward Sudario, chief of the construction department of the ICDEO, said last week motorcycles, tricycles and bicycles on the flyover are prohibited because they could slide down the slopes, particularly at the approaches on both ends.
To ensure that the restrictions are followed, the Public Safety and Transportation Management Office of the city government will be posting signage and traffic auxiliaries at both ends of the flyover./PN
