P591-M Jibao-an Flyover opens sans pomp, fanfare

By Mariela Angella Oladive

Located some 10 kilometers from the controversial Ungka flyover in the town of Pavia, Iloilo, the Jibao-an Flyover in Mandurriao, Iloilo City, officially opened to the public on December 12, 2023 sans any fanfare.

The Department of Public Works and Highways Region (DPWH)-6 regional office issued a detailed advisory, setting parameters for the initial phase of the flyover’s operation.

It emphasized the specific weight criteria for entry by restricting to a maximum of 27 tons the weight of vehicles that can pass through it.

Bicycles, tricycles, and vehicles with more than three axles, including trucks, tractors, or trailers, are strictly prohibited from utilizing the flyover.

The flyover spans 480 lineal meters, with a vertical clearance of 6 meters at the intersection.

Unlike the defective Ungka flyover which is only partially open to traffic at certain times of the day, DPWH-6 Assistant Regional Director Jose Al Fruto said the flyover would operate 24/7.

The P680-million Ungka flyover is due for repairs that will cost more than P200 million to stabilize its sinking piers or foundations.

The opening of the Jibao-an flyover was marked with a simple ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by former senator Franklin Drilon and Fruto.

Drilon, who pushed for the project before leaving the Senate, emphasized the substantial benefits of the flyover in alleviating traffic congestion from Mandurriao to Jibao-an, especially during rush hours.

“Expected naton nga mas madali ang pagbyahe naton halin diri sa Mandurriao asta didto sa coastal road. Seamless with the two flyovers – the one in Buhang and this one in Jibao an, and once finished the Ungka. So, that will enhance commerce and trading kay maayo ang padalagan sang aton mga negosyante diri. It will also develop real estate,” Drilon said.

Meanwhile, Assistant Regional Director Al Fruto urged cooperation, especially from drivers, emphasizing compliance with restrictions on three-axle vehicles, tricycles, and bicycles on the flyover.

“Aton ginapangayo ang kooperasyon sang tanan. Kon bal-an naton nga indi na pwede tani indi lang [pagsiegehon]. Ang aton na is really also to preserve our facilities para kamaayohan sang tanan,” he stated.

On December 11, a comprehensive test run was conducted to ensure the structure was functional and safe, where DPWH-6 OIC-Regional Director Sonny Oropel set December 15 as the target date of opening.

Oropel clarified that the plan to open the flyover on Tuesday, which preceded the target date, does not mean it is 100 percent complete, citing that there are issues on the right of way underneath the flyover’s structure.

The Jibao-an flyover is a progressive project with a total funding of P591 million. The construction began in late 2020 with the goal of enhancing access to the southern part of Iloilo and neighboring Antique province.

Running along the Iloilo Circumferential Road (C-1), it is 240 meters long with two lanes featuring six 40-meter-span prestressed concrete girders (PSCG).

The flyover’s primary objective is to improve connectivity to southern Iloilo and the adjacent province of Antique. Also, to alleviate traffic congestion in Pavia and San Miguel, as well as the Mandurriao district.

The structure is a crucial step in enhancing transportation efficiency and minimizing traffic-related issues in the region.