Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 19) — Diversified conglomerate San Miguel Corporation (SMC) said it is coordinating with Quezon City government to integrate pedestrian walkways and bicycle lanes to the elevated turnback guideway of Metro Rail Transit Line 7 (MRT-7).
The turnback guideway, which will rise along West Avenue, will allow MRT-7 trains to change directions after terminating at the North Triangle Common Station in North Avenue.The SMC said the one-kilometer portion of the avenue, where the directional loop will be built, will be redesigned to create wider pedestrian walkways and bicycle lanes at no cost to the local government.The construction of MRT-7’s turnback guideway at West Avenue presented an opportunity for us to help advance Mayor Joy Belmonte’s push for more and better active transport infrastructure in the city,” SMC President and CEO Ramon S. Ang said in a statement Wednesday.Once completed, the new configuration of the road will feature wider pedestrian walkways, and bike lanes that will benefit more people,” he added.According to SMC, the existing 2-meter-wide sidewalk will be widened up to 3.10 meters, with a portion of it dedicated as a bike lane. It said the existing perpendicular parking along the road will be converted into parallel parking as well.The SMC said the project will also cover the relocation of present utilities such as electrical lampposts, communication lines, drainage, water, sanitary ducts, and other services.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the local government of Quezon City kicked off pre-construction work of the turnback guideway last week.
The mass transit project, which is in partnership with SMC, will connect to the existing LRT-1 and MRT-3.
