DPWH: Mambaling underpass to open third week of June

The Mambaling Underpass project is almost done in this May 2019 photo. The project is expected to be completed in June 2019. | Photo courtesy of DPWH-7 Project Engineer Roy dela Cruz

CEBU CITY, Philippines — After the temporary opening of the Mambaling underpass in Cebu City on May 12 and 13 in time for the 2019 midterm elections, motorists will have to wait until June 2019 to utilize it again.

Engineer Roy dela Cruz, the project engineer of the underpass project from the Department of Public Works and Highways in Central Visayas (DPWH-7), said there is little left to do in the underpass, which is already 97 percent complete.

He said the main problem that was encountered during the temporary opening on May 12 to 13 was brought about by the uneven roads. Dela Cruz said they yet have to completely pave the entire road.

It will take 10 days to pave the underpass road.

This means that by May 25, both southbound and northbound lanes will be technically ready for passing motorists.

However, dela Cruz said they will install the “thermoplastic lane dividers” that will guide motorists along the underground road, which will further move the opening date of the subway.

Coupled with minor finishing touches and final check of the structure, dela Cruz said the underpass will finally be open around the third week of June.

“Mahuman ta ani karong Mayo unya inig ka-June, most likely maablihan na gyud ni sa publiko. (We will finish the construction this May so most likely the underpass will be open to the public by June),” said dela Cruz.

The P638-million project is expected to ease the traffic at the junction of F. Llamas Street and Natalio Bacalso Highway in Barangay Mambaling.

Francisco Ouano, head of the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO), said they will be meeting with DPWH as soon as the construction ends to discuss the traffic plan.

Ouano, however, said he already mapped out the traffic scheme in the area. / celr