Delayed by pandemic, Aganan flyover starts construction today

After being stalled for almost two months by the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic, the construction of the P560-million Aganan Flyover begins today, July 6, 2020, according to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 6.

The construction of the 436.90-meter flyover at the junction of Sen. Benigno S. Aquino Jr. Avenue and Felix Gorriceta Jr. Avenue in Brgy. Aganan, Pavia, Iloilo was expected to commence early March this year.

But Engineer Mavi Gustilo, project engineer of DPWH-6 said the imposition of lockdowns delayed the project.

“Almost two months ang delay sa construction, ang iban nga engineers nalockdown man tungod sa pandemic,” Gustilo said in a phone interview on Friday.

Gustilo said only one lane will be open to vehicles while two lanes on both sides of the construction area will be temporarily closed.

With the start of the construction of the Aganan Flyover on Monday, Gustilo said the public may expect traffic congestion in the area, hence, motorists and the public are advised to use alternative routes.

Motorists from Iloilo International Airport bound to Mandurriao/Molo/Oton can pass through Bangga Dama, Sta. Barbara-Bangga San Jose, San Miguel-Aleosan Road.

For motorists from Jaro bound to Sta. Barbara, they can take the road from Brgy. Quintin Salas, Jaro – Tacas, Jaro – Brgy. Pagsangaan, Pavia – Brgy. Tigum, Pavia – Brgy. Cabugao, Norte, Sta. Barbara- Brgy. Agutayan, Sta. Barbara – Taft Street, Sta Barbara – Rizal Street, Sta. Barbara.

Motorists from Banga Singko, Pavia and Brgy. Cabugao Sur, Pavia (Carlitos) bound to Mandurriao/Molo/Oton may pass through Bangga Singko, Pavia-Brgy. Pandac, Pavia – Aleosan Road.

Motorists from Brgy. Cabugao Sur, Pavia (Carlitos) bound to Jaro/Leganes may pass through Evangelista Street, Pavia – Anilao Pagsangaan Road- Brgy. Tacas, Jaro.

Aside from the Aganan Flyover, DPWH-6 has already started the construction of the P480-million Ungka II Flyover at the junction of Sen. Benigno S. Aquino Jr. Avenue and Iloilo Circumferential Road at Brgy. Ungka II, Pavia, Iloilo in early January this year.

The construction of the Aganan Flyover and the Ungka II Flyover is expected to be completed by 2021, Gustilo said.

Meanwhile, construction of two more additional flyovers – the Hibao-an Flyover and Buhang Flyover – is also currently ongoing.

The four flyovers in the Metro Iloilo Guimaras Economic and Development Council (MIGEDC) area is expected to ease the traffic congestion in Iloilo City and provide ease of travel for tourists and the public.