DPWH starts construction of flyover in Pilar, Bataan

CLARK FREEPORT --The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has started the construction of a new fourlane flyover in Pilar, Bat aan .

In his report to Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan following an occular inspection, Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain said sub-structure works are on-going for the construction of Ala-Uli Steel Flyover in Barangay Ala Uli, Pilar to ease traffic congestion at the intersection of Gov. J.J. Linao National Road and Roman Superhighway (formerly Bataan Provincial Highway).

Considered as one of the priority projects to be implemented under the Mega Bridges for Urban and Rural Development Project (MBURDP), the project involves the construction and installation of 17.3-meter wide and 607.750-meter long flyover consisting of 195.59-meter modular steel flyover, 80meter transition road on each side, and 124.612-meter road Approach A and 126.269-meter road Approach B.

Sadain said the increase in number of vehicles going to Bataan Province - home to special economic zone and freeport in Central Luzon that provides employment opportunities for the people, led to more pressure on existing road infrastructure. The DPWH said Roman Superhighway caters to all types of vehicles from motorcycles to the large truck with trailers on a daily basis, making it one of the province’s busiest and most vital road.

The flyover project which has a construction duration period of 18 months will improve the transport of goods and local products and is expected to further boost the economic potential of the province, Sadain said.

He added that smoother flow of traffic will also encourage people to visit various tourism destinations in the province that has created livelihood opportunities to the residents. The construction of the flyover is covered by a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the DPWH Bridges Management Cluster - Unified Project Management Office (DPWH-BMCUPMO), DPWH Regional Office 3 with Bataan 2nd District Engineering Office and the Provincial Government of Bataan together with the Municipal Government of Pilar (LGU).

Under the MOA, DPWHBMC-UPMO will provide the French-supplied superstructure materials of the flyover and download the available funds to the DPWH Regional Office 3 that will procure the services of a contractor to undertake the construction of the two abutment, concrete pavement and slope protection for each approach of the flyover and launch/install the bridge superstructure.

As the implementing unit, DPWH Regional Office 3 will be responsible in ensuring that the contractor will use only the specified materials, which complies the existing standards for the construction and safety.

The provincial government and LGU will be responsible in coordinating with the concerned public utility companies in the relocation of affected utilities and immediate clearing of existing structures.

They will also work on the acquisition, payment, clearing of road right of way, access road and the like for the project, and the preparation of traffic management and rerouting plan including the enforcement of the same.