By Rjay Zuriaga Castor
Less than 24 hours after it was repaired, the vertical clearance of the controversial Ungka Flyover was damaged again early morning of April 9.
The incident happened when a wing van bound for Iloilo City struck the overhead gantry at the Pavia side of the flyover entrance.
The collision damaged the frame, dislodged parts of the structure, shifted its foundation, and detached the bolts securing its base.
The vertical clearance, set at 2.3 meters, is meant to restrict large vehicles such as wing vans from entering the flyover.
This marks the second time in just three days that the clearance has been hit.
On April 7, a bus traveling from Pavia collided with the same structure and knocked it down.
The damaged frame was replaced by contractor International Builders Corp. (IBC) with a new one on April 8—just a day before the latest accident.
IBC said it cannot immediately replace the damaged clearance due to the holiday and unavailability of materials.
As with the bus operator previously held liable and charged over PHP100,000 for repairs, the wing van’s operator will also shoulder the cost of damage.
The wing van driver and his companion, both from Sagay City, Negros Occidental, were reportedly headed home when the incident occurred.
Authorities said the driver lacked valid official receipts and certificates of registration for the vehicle.
Both individuals are now in Pavia police custody, and the wing van has been impounded.
Small Signage, Big Problem?
Motorists have raised concerns about the signage size at the restricted entrance of the flyover.
They say the signs are too small and are only visible when drivers are already near the entrance.
Barriers at the sides also make it difficult for large vehicles to turn around once they notice the restriction.
Some drivers suggest placing larger and more visible signs at least 100 meters before the flyover, indicating the height limit, bridge capacity, and other key information.
This would give drivers time to slow down, prepare, or take alternate routes.
Daily Guardian has reached out to the Department of Public Works and Highways for comment on the complaints and suggestions but has received no response as of writing.
The vertical clearance at the Ungka Flyover has long been a source of concern due to its restriction on heavy vehicles such as dump trucks, transit mixers, wing vans, and trailer trucks.
Even modernized jeepneys have been banned from using the flyover after multiple clearance collisions.
Light vehicles like motorcycles, tricycles, bicycles, and e-bikes are also restricted from using the flyover due to safety concerns over their improper use of the carriageway.
