SUBSTANDARD?: Poor workmanship blamed for Buhang flyover cracks

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

Substandard workmanship — not overloading — caused the cracks and falling debris that prompted the immediate repair of the Buhang Flyover, according to Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon.

The DPWH-Western Visayas earlier attributed the damage to 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 regional office said some trucks weighing between 50 and 82 tons, including container trucks coming from the Dumangas Port, had been using the bridge.

“The concrete is crumbling, so the mixing of the cement is wrong, which is a cause of substandard workmanship, not overloading,” Dizon said during an inspection of the ongoing repairs of the PHP 315 million flyover on Wednesday.

In January, Dizon personally inspected the flyover deck after debris had already begun falling, prompting him to order immediate repairs from contractor F. Gurrea Construction Inc.

Aside from removing portions of the deck surface, the contractor is applying carbon fiber retrofitting, a strengthening method that uses carbon fiber sheets and plates to improve load capacity and durability.

The Iloilo City District Engineering Office said it is targeting completion of the repairs by May 15.

Dizon urged faster completion, citing commuter inconvenience caused by traffic congestion in the area.

“I am asking them to fast-track that, and they promised me by May, if not the end of April, drivers can already use the flyover, but we will [ensure] the safety of the structure,” he said.

The contractor said a consultant will inspect the repairs upon completion.

Dizon said a separate consultant appointed by the department will also validate the work to ensure the flyover’s structural integrity.

Repair work began in February and is being carried out around the clock at no additional cost to the government.

The Buhang Flyover serves as a key link for traffic flow in Iloilo City, making its timely and safe rehabilitation critical to easing congestion and supporting economic activity in the area.