ILOILO CITY – The controversial Ungka Flyover was officially opened to full capacity today, December 23, allowing all lanes to be used by motorists.
In an interview with Bombo Radyo, Engr. Sanny Boy Oropel, the regional director of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 6, confirmed that the flyover was now fully operational, with all lanes available for vehicular passage. He also mentioned that the vertical limit of the flyover has now been cleared.
However, Oropel clarified that trucks and motorcycles will still be prohibited from using the flyover, as part of safety measures.
Meanwhile, work continues on the installation of asphalt underneath the flyover, which is expected to be completed soon.
The total cost of the Ungka Flyover project has now reached P975 million, significantly higher than the original budget of P680 million due to the ongoing repairs and improvements. The project was originally aimed at easing traffic congestion at the intersection of Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr. Avenue and President Corazon Aquino Avenue, which connects Barangay Ungka, Jaro, Iloilo City, to Barangay Ungka 2, Pavia, Iloilo.
The project has faced public criticism due to delays and issues with its construction, sparking concerns about the effectiveness of the flyover in solving traffic problems. Despite the controversies, the project contractor, International Builders Corporation, has completed the 453.7-meter stretch of the flyover and has been awarded the contract for the second phase of its repair work.
The government hopes the full opening of the flyover will alleviate traffic issues in the area, which have long been a source of frustration for commuters. However, some members of the public remain skeptical about the project’s overall impact on the region’s traffic situation.
