Geotechnical study begins for PHP802-M Aganan Flyover

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

A geotechnical study for the PHP802-million Aganan flyover in Pavia, Iloilo, has commenced, potentially determining whether it faces the same issues as the nearby “sinking” Ungka flyover.

After nearly two years of stalled construction, Abinales Associates Engineers + Consultants began the study this week.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Western Visayas (DPWH-6) announced that the geotechnical study will assess whether the original design of the flyover will be retained or if rectifications are needed to avoid similar structural issues.

“The Notice of Award for the consultancy was issued on Aug. 28, and the Notice to Proceed was given on Sept. 9,” DPWH-6 Director Sanny Boy Oropel told Daily Guardian.

The consultancy services are valued at PHP15.3 million.

The study will provide a detailed evaluation and engineering design for the flyover, which was around 70 percent complete when construction was suspended in December 2022.

Abinales Consultants was selected during the bidding process for offering the most advantageous bid in terms of technical personnel and financial offer, Oropel said.

The flyover’s initial design by United Technology Consolidated Partnership (UTCP) planned for concrete girders for its 50-meter span.

However, DPWH-6 has suggested revisiting the design and possibly using steel girders to expedite construction.

The need for a third-party consultant also arose due to conflicting soil test results.

DPWH-6’s tests recommended a foundation depth of 54 meters, while UTCP’s tests indicated only 24 meters.

UTCP, which also designed the problematic PHP680-million Ungka flyover, has been unresponsive to requests to reevaluate its design.