ILOILO CITY — The defective P680-million Ungka flyover in Pavia, Iloilo, which underwent rectification works in January, may be opened for full capacity use in November this year.

However, Department of Public Works and Highways – Western Visayas (DPWH–6) Director Sanny Boy Oropel said that opening the flyover on the target date is only possible if the first phase of repairs is completed by the end of July.

"We will try our best to reopen to full capacity traffic in the first week of November. The second phase of the repairs will just be swift," Oropel told The Manila Times on Tuesday.

The Ungka flyover, which straddles the Jaro district in Iloilo City and Pavia town, is currently used in a two-lane capacity after vertical displacements were observed in its piers following its opening to vehicular traffic in September 2022.

The first phase of the rectification works is 65 percent complete as of the end of June, Oropel said.

Phase 1 of the repairs involves a jet grouting procedure for the 13 piers where DPWH-6 will also stabilize the soil underneath by injecting cementitious material into the ground.

"The main reason why we are conducting the jet grouting is to underpin the bored pile foundation that fell short in providing support to the structure," Oropel said.

Meanwhile, the DPWH-6 is targeting to commence the second phase of repairs by the second week of August.

The next phase includes extensive structural work involving the removal of obstructions, installation of additional bracings and prestressed structural concrete girders, among others.

Despite acknowledging delays in the jet grouting activity on the first phase, Oropel maintained that the rectification activity is still "on track."

The first phase of the flyover repair, initially scheduled to conclude on May 6, 2024, has been extended by 120 days. The initial repairs are undertaken by Monolithic Construction & Concrete Products Inc., a Davao City-based engineering firm.

Oropel appealed to the public to give due consideration to the repair works, emphasizing that the rectification activity of the defective flyover is "not a simple method."

"We cannot just hastily do the jet grouting since we avoid damaging some important assets underground such as water pipes and internet cables," he said.