DPWH starts repair of Buendia flyover

MANILA, Philippines - After 43 days of delay, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) yesterday pushed through with the second round of repairs on the 35-year-old Buendia flyover in Makati City.

While the southbound lanes are being rehabilitated, the northbound side of the flyover would cater to vehicles traveling both ways. “The southbound lane would be closed to traffic effective 6 a.m. (yesterday) while the northbound lane is open to two-way traffic,” the DPWH said in a statement.

DPWH said they hope to complete the bridge’s rehabilitation in about three weeks or by Dec. 15.

This is the second round of repairs that the Buendia Flyover would go through this year after the DPWH discovered that contractor Tokwing Construction reportedly used substandard materials.

DPWH National Capital Region (NCR) Director Reynaldo Tagudando earlier said the contractor has to make the necessary corrective measures since the asphalt overlay “deteriorated” a few days after the flyover was opened to vehicular traffic.

The expenses for the second round of repairs will be fully shouldered by Tokwing. The repair was originally scheduled last Oct. 14 but it was delayed until yesterday because of bad weather. The contractor needs two weeks of good weather to ensure the good quality of the cement.