‘BEAR WITH US’: DPWH-6 Warns of Heavy Traffic as IBC Starts Aganan Flyover Jet Grouting

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

The International Builders Corporation (IBC) began jet grouting work for the Aganan Flyover project on Thursday, March 20, the Department of Public Works and Highways-Western Visayas (DPWH-6) confirmed.

DPWH-6 Director Sanny Boy Oropel told Daily Guardian that IBC has started jet grouting at Pier 7, located at the Felix Gorriceta Avenue intersection.

With the engineering procedure underway, Oropel warned motorists to expect heavy traffic along Sen. Benigno S. Aquino Jr. Avenue and from Aganan Bridge to the intersection.

“We are asking for the understanding and consideration of all motorists passing the Aganan Flyover,” he said in a phone interview on Friday, March 21.

“As much as possible, we are coordinating with the local government unit, particularly their traffic management bureau, to address any congestion. Please bear with us regarding the inconvenience that may result from the jet grouting activity,” he added.

Jet grouting is a soil stabilization method that uses high-velocity fluid jets to erode and mix in-situ soil with grout, creating solid columns or panels of “soilcrete” (grouted soil) in the ground.

The same method was used by DPWH-6 at the Ungka Flyover to improve the structural integrity of the soil beneath, support the foundation, and prevent erosion or instability.

Oropel said they anticipate facing similar challenges at Aganan Flyover as they did with the Ungka Flyover, since both projects are located in the same area.

“The jet grouting procedure is the same as what we applied at the Ungka Flyover, so we are expecting some challenges since we cannot see what is underneath,” he said.

At Ungka, DPWH-6 conducted jet grouting every 6 meters up to 52 meters along the flyover, followed by curing periods, which contributed to project delays.

The presence of underground cabling systems—such as water and telephone lines—and the soil’s high plasticity index also complicated the jet grouting process at Ungka.

“All the challenges that we encounter, we will address,” Oropel added.

He said they have submitted a request for an additional PHP275 million to complete the Aganan Flyover, including funding for the continuation of the jet grouting.

He noted that he cannot yet give an indicative date for the completion of the jet grouting.

Currently, IBC is using PHP133 million in remaining funds from the original contract for the Aganan Flyover, whose construction was suspended in December 2022.

Oropel previously clarified that IBC will conduct the jet grouting procedure as the original contractor awarded the project in 2020.

IBC is the same engineering firm that constructed the nearby Ungka Flyover, which recently reopened for full public use after structural issues were addressed.