DPWH: Mandaue underpass to proceed after approval

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-7 assured that the implementation of the depressed structure in Mandaue City will not start unless all issues are addressed and all design requirements are reviewed, deliberated and approved by them.

DPWH-7 Regional Director Ador Canlas, in a press statement, said that the depressed structure, which is part of the tri-level improvement at the U.N. Avenue and Plaridel Road, was among the components in the study that supported the Cebu North Coastal Road Project originally proposed under the JBIC Arterial Road Phase VI in 2004.

Canlas said that its components, including the proposed tri-level intersection improvement, were set aside, since the yen loan was also deferred.

DPWH, however, included such components in its Medium Term Public Investment Program since 2008 for possible implementation through other fund sources.

Canlas said that eventually funds would be provided under the General Appropriation Fund for 2016 and 2017.

He added that the project, by virtue of the authority vested upon by the DPWH secretary, was procured by DPWH-7 during the fourth quarter of 2017 using the Design and Build Scheme and the Notice to Proceed was issued to the winning bidder last December 4, 2017.

Canlas also said that the project is on the design stage that will last until July 2018.

Activities under this stage include topographic, parcellary and soil exploration surveys, preparation of plans and specifications and acquisition of right of way including preparation of traffic management.

"Proper coordination will be done with all concerned agencies, sectors and proponents as part of the preparation for its implementation," Canlas said.