Northbound lane of Buendia flyover closed

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on Monday closed down the northbound lane of Buendia flyover to give way to repairs.

According to the advisory issued by the DPWH, motorists can use the southbound lane of the flyover on Osmeña Avenue, Makati City, which will be open to two-way traffic.

It added that the work, which began Monday, was expected to be completed on January 8 next year.

The DPWH ordered the repair of the flyover after it was discovered that the asphalt used in its rehabilitation was substandard.

Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson also directed the contractor—Tokwing Construction—to remove and replace the asphalt overlay at its own expense.

Singson said the initial repair work, which began in May, cost between P70 million and P80 million and was meant to rehabilitate the flyover, which was constructed in the 1970s.

At the same time, the DPWH chief ordered the implementation of tighter checks on quality control in the implementation of public works projects after the department took a lot of flak from the public over the repair of the Buendia flyover.

In particular, contractors have to prove that the projects they were hired to carry out are in accordance with plans and specifications.

They have also been warned by the DPWH that they and the suppliers of their construction materials will be held responsible should defects occur within the warranty period.