Heavy trucks, two-wheelers banned on Buhang Flyover

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

Heavy trucks and two-wheeled vehicles are now barred from using the newly repaired PHP 315 million Buhang Flyover in Jaro, Iloilo City, following its reopening to the public on Thursday, April 30.

The Department of Public Works and Highways–Iloilo City District Engineering Office (DPWH-ICDEO) installed a 3.1-meter overhead gantry, or vertical clearance barrier, at both approaches of the flyover.

The clearance enforces restrictions on dump trucks, transit mixers, wing vans, trailer trucks, motorcycles, tricycles, bicycles, and e-bikes, and imposes a speed limit of 40 kilometers per hour.

The Department of Public Works and Highways in Western Visayas earlier said visible cracks and falling debris observed on parts of the flyover, which prompted its immediate repair,  likely caused by heavily loaded container trucks passing through the structure.

The flyover, which opened to motorists in May 2023, has a load capacity of about 31 tons.

However, the agency said some trucks weighing between 50 and 82 tons, including container trucks from Dumangas Port, were reported to have used the structure.

Under Iloilo City Regulation Ordinance No. 2023-260, certain vehicles and pedestrians are prohibited from using flyovers in the city.

These include pedestrians, bicycles, and other nonmotorized vehicles, electric bikes and scooters, tricycles, and vehicles with three or more axles.

The DPWH-ICDEO had earlier targeted a May 15 reopening, but DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon pushed for an April 30 deadline during his visit to Iloilo City earlier this month, citing commuter inconvenience due to traffic congestion.

Dizon ordered the immediate repair of the flyover after personally inspecting the cracks and debris in January.

Repairs were undertaken at the expense of the contractor, F. Gurrea Construction Inc.

The reopening was led by Iloilo City Lone District Rep. Julienne “JamJam” Baronda and DPWH-ICDEO officer-in-charge Engr. Johnny Jose Pura.

“We are thankful that they were able to finish it 15 days in advance, as what they promised to Sec. Dizon. At least it is now open, and I hope and look forward to this not again being closed since it has been fully rectified,” Baronda said.

The Buhang Flyover serves as a key traffic artery in Iloilo City, and its temporary closure for repairs over the past three months contributed to heavy congestion along Diversion Road and surrounding areas.