By Rjay Zuriaga Castor
The Department of Public Works and Highways-Western Visayas (DPWH-6) has assured the public that the Ungka Flyover remains safe for traffic despite recent reports of falling debris that have raised safety concerns.
DPWH-6 Director Sanny Boy Oropel told Daily Guardian that the falling debris, which did not occur for the first time, was caused by the settlement of the concrete railing.
“Since our concrete railing of the flyover has settled, pieces of concrete and other materials detached, leading to the debris falling onto the road below,” he explained.
“Rest assured, we are installing a safety net to ensure that commuters underneath will not be affected,” he added.
When asked about the reports of continuous vertical displacements in the flyover, Oropel said the displacement is a normal occurrence as they conduct the initial phase of the flyover’s rectification works.
“We can really observe the displacements. We are not denying the displacement, however, right after we observe minimal displacements, we compensate for that because the soil underneath where the pier is placed hardens. That is the objective of our jet grouting – to harden the soil and to underpin,” he said.
Phase 1 of the rectification involves the jet grouting procedure for the 13 piers and bracing to stabilize the main girders of the flyover.
In jet grouting, the DPWH-6 will also stabilize the soil underneath by injecting cementitious material into the ground to increase the strength and stability of the soil, reducing the likelihood of further displacement or settlement.
“We have not stopped vehicles from using the flyover. It is definitely safe for our commuters who are using the flyover,” he added, noting that they will close the flyover to traffic if there are observations that would compromise the safety of the public.
Meanwhile, structural engineer Nilo Jardeleza raised concerns with the Regional Development Council 6, noting that continuous vehicle traffic over the piers undergoing jet grouting could lead to potential issues.
He shared that one of the possible problems related to soil stabilization technique is excessive displacement and occasionally high pressures induced on structures in direct contact with the jetted area.
When Daily Guardian asked for a comment, Oropel, while respecting Jardeleza’s observations, chose not to comment further.
He instead emphasized that the DPWH-6 is taking measures to ensure that the flyover is structurally safe for traffic use while they are conducting jet grouting activities.
“We are opening the traffic on the Ungka flyover to avoid causing excessive inconvenience to our commuters,” he stressed.
As of the end of July, repair work on the flyover is 70 percent complete.
Oropel mentioned that the design for the second phase of rectification is nearing finalization, with work expected to start by the end of August.
The DPWH-6 previously said that the flyover is targeted for full capacity use in November this year.
