Proposed flyovers ‘may not push through’

THE proposed flyover projects in Cebu City may not push through if they conflict with existing projects like the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT).

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 7 also made it clear that roads will be widened first before other projects like flyovers can be implemented.

The DPWH 7, through its outsourced consultant CEDCO Engineers, is conducting a detailed engineering design (DED) for the proposed two flyovers and an underpass.

DPWH 7 Director Edgar Tabacon said part of the DED is the consultation not just with the public but also with other agencies like the Department of Transportation, which is the proponent of the BRT project.

Tabacon said if there is no engineering design to accommodate both the BRT and flyover projects, “then that (flyover projects) will not push through.”

The DPWH 7 plans to build a flyover along P. del Rosario St. from the junction of Osmeña Blvd. to Leon Kilat St. which is 1.1 kilometers long and another one along N. Bacalso Ave. corner V. Rama Ave., which is 1.2 kilometers long.

The underpass, which will be 915 meters, will be constructed at the South Road Properties Mambaling corner Cebu South Coastal Road.

Tabacon said the proposed projects may still be changed once the DED, which has a funding of P105 million, will be completed in August.

Tabacon said there is a possibility that the firm conducting the DED may instead recommend to build a roundabout or clear the intersections or other road improvement projects.

“Part of the activities of the DED is how much widening is needed to really improve the intersections,” he said in a mix of Cebuano and English.

He said they have no budget allocation for the civil works of the proposed projects, which have a “long way to go.”

“It’s too premature to set aside funding for the flyovers. It will be a pity if the projects are not implemented and civil works funds will be idled,” he said in a mix of Cebuano and English.

In previous report, CEDCO Engineers representative Leah Negre said included in the proposed flyover projects is a 2.5-meter road expansion on both sides from the gutters of the road.

Tabacon said before the civil works start, clearing and acquisition of properties affected by the road right-of-way will be done first.

He said the proposed projects are still subject to approval by the Cebu City Government and the Regional Development Council 7.

He said the DPWH is only doing its job in coming up with proposals since part of its function is to give alternative solutions to the traffic problem.