DPWH exec explains delayed completion of Infante flyover
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Regional Director Rolando Asis yesterday said that the curing period for the concrete portion of the Infante flyover's two approaches caused the delay in the project's completion.
He also clarified that the construction of the two approaches is part of the contract cost and not the responsibility of the city government.
Asis made the clarification amid reports that the city government is still looking for funds for the construction of the two approaches.
In earlier interviews, Mayor Jerry Treñas was quoted saying that the city is looking for funds for the construction of the flyover's two approaches, islands as well as lighting facilities.
The installation of the pre-fabricated flyover was completed middle of September but the it could not yet be opened for public use pending the completion of its two approaches.
The construction of the flyover, which has a total length of 305-linear meters, is aimed to decongest the traffic in the busy intersection connecting M.H. Del Pilar-Gen. Luna streets and Diversion Road-Infante Streets. The fly over can hold a cargo load of 20-30 tons. It has a lifetime of 50 years.
Asis attributed the delay in the curing period being observed by the contractor, Mabey & Johnson Ltd, a United Kingdom-based construction firm. The curing period for the cemented portion of the flyover is 21 days.
The construction of the two approaches is included in the P400 million project. The city government will not spend for the construction of the two approaches, said Asis. The contractor will take care for the construction of the two approaches, said Asis.
The vehicular flyover here topped the list of high impact projects of the DPWH. The project is being undertaken by the President's Bridge Program Office of the Department of Public Works and Highways Central Office.
Asis said, the regional office of the DPWH has no hand in the bidding as well as the implementation of the project since it is a national project.
Asis further said that the bad weather condition these past few days contributed to the delay in the flyover's completion.
Earlier, the construction of the flyover also suffered a setback after portions of the project site collapsed. The contractor had to redesign the base and construct two new bore piles to strengthen the structure's foundation.
Asis then projected that the flyover would be operational either last week of September or first week of October. President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is expected to inaugurate the project as soon as it is completed. The work started last April 1, 2007.