DPWH: Banilad flyover safe to use despite cracks

Cracks can be seen in the Banilad flyover which has concerned some of the motorists passing in the area (CDN PHOTO/LITO TECSON).

Motorists passing the Banilad flyover were assured yesterday that the flyover was still safe to use despite the presence of cracks on the structure.

The Cebu City District Engineering Office of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 7 gave the assurance yesterday after they were informed of the cracks.

District Engr. Nicomedes Leonor and his assistant district engineer immediately checked the area around 6 p.m.

Leonor said that the cracks found on the flyover was nothing to worry about.

“There’s nothing to worry. It’s just a minor concern. It’s still safe to use the flyover,” he told CDN after inspecting the structure.

He said that the asphalt sealant and cement patching on the joints had just weathered out due to the wear and tear over the years.

Leonor said though that they will be referring the matter to bridge experts from the DPWH’s regional office in order to make sure that there is really no other problem with the flyover.

He added that their office would also be patching up the cracks in order to fill them up.

The cracks were brought to the attention of the DPWH after motorists, such as Joyce Preston Adlao of Barangay Bacayan, who passed by the flyover every day to get to Cebu City saw the cracks on the structure and got worried about it.

“It is very alarming. I actually noticed that the flyover would sort of wiggle during peak hours when it’s full of cars. I initially thought it’s normal, but looking at the cracks, I know something is wrong,” she told Cebu Daily News.

She took photos of the cracks and shared them on her Facebook account where a lot of other regular motorists also expressed their shock and concern on the “accident waiting to happen.”
And with the recent rains in the city, she said that the water might seep through the cracks and do further damage on the structure.

Adlao, a laywer and member of the Board of Directors of the Cebu Lady Lawyers Association (Cella), said that authorities should immediately check the structure and inform the public about it.

“Although there is a possibility that the cracks are just superficial, but it must be addressed. The public has the right to know and be fully informed of the integrity of the flyover if it is stall safe for motorists. Otherwise, this is a disaster waiting to happen,” she said.