THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-Central Luzon has bared the progress on promised rehabilitation works of the Lazatin Flyover along Jose Abad Santos Avenue in the City of San Fernando.
In a statement, DPWH-Central Luzon said that as early as December 19, 2019, the Pampanga 1st District Engineering Office has recommended to DPWH Unified Project Management Office-Bridge Management Cluster (UPMO-BMC) the immediate replacement of damaged expansion joints and deteriorated steel floor the steel bridge.
Contrary to public perception, the much-awaited project will be implemented by DPWH UPMO-BMC under the Mega Bridges for Urban and Rural Development Project (MBURDP).
“On November 15 last year, an ocular inspection on the damaged flyover was made by the French company Matiere S.A.S. which supplied the flyover’s superstructure materials and after a month, UPMO-BMC Project Director Rodrigo Delos Reyes has requested to Mr. Philippe Gouvary, Resident Manager of Matiere SAS to schedule the repair of damage components of the flyover,” the statement added.
It added that Gouvary proposed to start the jacking of the flyover on January 10, 2022 and afterwards to proceed with the needed repairs.
Aside from these, the DPWH-Central Luzon disclosed that on December 28, 2021, Project Director Delos Reyes even requested the DPWH regional office to assist in the information dissemination by advertisement and issuance of notice to individuals and motorists that may be affected by the temporary closure of the said flyover and the identification of corresponding alternative route during the schedule of repair works.
Last April 11, 2022, a coordination meeting was held between the City Engineer of San Fernando, representatives from UPMO-BMC and key officials of Pampanga 1st District Engineering Office.
According to District Engineer Almer Miranda, all concerns related to the condition of the flyover were discussed, including actions to be taken such as traffic management and rerouting plan once the flyover repair begins.
Miranda said they are now awaiting the final schedule of repair works coming from UPMO-BMC and Matiere SAS before the local government can recommend the alternate routes and for his office to undertake the corresponding advisories to the public.