CHEAPER PLAN – City Hall: Diversion Road overpass cost may drop from P4.1M to P2.8M

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

The City Engineer’s Office (CEO) said the cost of constructing the pedestrian overpass along Diversion Road may be reduced from PHP 4.1 million to PHP 2.8 million once the project’s original plan is revised.

CEO acting head Engr. Dianaline Señoron said that based on her initial evaluation, the cost reduction will require changes in the project’s scope of work.

“The reevaluation is ongoing, and there will be a new variation order. I requested that they reduce some parts of the original plan. We can make it simple instead of extravagant and use the savings for other projects,” she said.

She emphasized that despite the revisions, the construction of the overpass itself will remain the project’s main priority.

Among the proposed changes, Señoron said they plan to remove tile installation on the walkway and instead apply non-skid epoxy paint to improve safety and reduce expenses, noting that the tile works were originally valued at PHP 412,689.40.

She added that plumbing, which costs PHP 100,723.20 including the sanitary works component, can be eliminated.

“There’s no need to install plumbing lines because when it rains, the water will simply flow down. We don’t need to make a downspout to connect it to the bottom since rainwater naturally falls down anyway,” she explained.

For repainting the existing steel railings, Señoron said there is no need to completely remove the old paint, except in areas with rust, noting that repainting was initially priced at PHP 137,506.20.

She also recommended removing the LED lighting feature in the original plan, stressing that the structure’s primary function is to provide shade and pedestrian safety, not aesthetics.

Meanwhile, the cost for scaffolding and safety precautions, originally estimated at PHP 461,763.90, may be reduced since the materials were initially considered a “pay item” to be turned over to the city.

“My suggestion is, since it is ongoing, the scaffolding can be just rented,” she said.

Despite the proposed cost-cutting measures, Señoron assured the public that the overpass will remain structurally sound, especially during heavy rains and strong winds.

She added that the final reevaluated project cost is still being prepared and will be submitted to the Commission on Audit for the issuance of a variation order.