The Department of Public Works and Highways reopened a key flyover in Jaro, Iloilo City, on Thursday, 15 days ahead of its target completion, after months of retrofitting meant to address structural concerns and restore traffic flow along a major corridor.
Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon expedited the reopening of the Buhang Flyover, a 340-meter structure spanning a busy stretch of the city. The retrofitting works were originally scheduled to finish on May 15 but were completed by April 30, according to the DPWH.
The project included re-decking damaged sections, applying a new asphalt overlay, installing reflectorized pavement markings, repainting structural elements and adding solar-powered lighting.
Under Dizon, the DPWH has rolled out a series of ongoing and recently completed projects, including partial progress on the rehabilitation of EDSA and emergency repairs along the Maharlika Highway.
Local officials welcomed the reopening. “We are thankful that the project was completed ahead of schedule as promised. The Buhang Flyover is open again, and we are hopeful that it will no longer need to be closed,” Iloilo City Rep. Julienne Baronda said.
Prohibited on the flyover are heavy vehicles such as dump trucks, transit mixers, trailer trucks and wing vans, as well as motorcycles, bicycles and other non-motorized transport. Vehicles with three or more axles are also barred, along with pedestrians.
Recently, Dizon addressed criticism that his leadership has emphasized inspections over visible output, but he said in a recent interview that hands-on supervision is central to improving project delivery.
“I completely understand the skepticism… more so toward DPWH,” he said. “Sa aking experience sa gobyerno, kapag ang head of agency mismo ang pumupunta sa isang proyekto at binubusisi at ini-inspect ang proyektong ’yon, ‘yong proyektong ’yon, mas nagagawa nang tama at nagagawa nang mabilis.”
The flyover, first opened to motorists in May 2023, underwent retrofitting following concerns about portions of its structure. Construction of the project began in late 2020.
