Controversial Iloilo flyover to get temporary two-way traffic

STILL OUT OF COMMISSION The 453.7-meter Ungka flyover, which straddles Iloilo City and the town of Pavia and costs P680 million to build, opened for only four months, from June to September 2022, after the structure was observed to be “sinking.” This photo was taken on April 25, 2022, before the flyover was opened to motorists. —DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS-WESTERN VISAYAS PHOTO

ILOILO CITY – The Department of Public Works and Highways in Western Visayas (DPWH-6) is set to introduce a temporary two-way traffic scheme at the embattled Ungka Flyover as part of efforts to meet the deadline for its full operational use by Dec. 25.

DPWH-6 Director Sanny Boy Oropel announced that the traffic shift will coincide with the second phase of repair works on the defective flyover.

Although no specific date has been confirmed, the right lane toward Pavia will soon be closed, with traffic rerouted to the left side.

READ: In Iloilo, delay hits repair work on ‘sinking’ flyover

“Next week, traffic will be concentrated on the left lane of the Ungka Flyover, coming from Iloilo City to Pavia,” Oropel confirmed, emphasizing that adjustments are necessary to speed up the flyover’s repairs.

Currently, motorists use one lane in each direction. But once the new scheme is in effect, both lanes on the left side will accommodate two-way traffic, leaving the right lane closed for repairs.

Upon completion of the right lane, traffic will be shifted once more to the left side for further rectification work.

“Once the right lane is rectified, traffic will be transferred to the left lane for full repairs of the flyover,” added Oropel, though the exact date for this transition has yet to be determined.

The Ungka Flyover has been plagued with issues since its partial opening, leading to the need for urgent repairs.

The DPWH, aiming to address these concerns, is working against the clock to open the flyover fully by Christmas Day.

Oropel called the goal a “Christmas gift to the public,” hoping to provide smoother travel just in time for the holiday rush.

Phase two of the rectification work includes jet grouting of the remaining piers and abutments, installation of a Geofoam System to correct the flyover’s vertical alignment, and repairs to the pavement underneath.

Additional works such as metal railing installations and cladding will also be carried out to ensure safety and durability.

In preparation for the traffic scheme, DPWH-6, along with Iloilo City’s Traffic Management Unit and Pavia’s Traffic Management Office, conducted monitoring operations to minimize disruptions.

While the work progresses, the flyover will continue to operate on its regular schedule from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to 9 p.m., ensuring motorists can still use the structure during peak hours.

Metro Pacific Iloilo Water is also making adjustments to their water pipeline alignments beneath the flyover as the DPWH pushes forward with repairs both above and below the structure.