EDSA rehab moved to April - DOTr
Metro Manila, Philippines - The rehabilitation of the Epifanio delos Santos Ave. (EDSA) has been moved to April as the government finalizes its plan for the one-year repair of the major thoroughfare, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon said on Thursday, March 13.
In a chance interview at the sidelines of the inauguration of the new SM North EDSA station in Quezon City, Dizon said repairs could begin in April from the original target in March.
He said the agency will announce its plan, including traffic management, next week.
“Siyempre hindi na kami magpapaligoy at magkukunwari na medyo mabigat na trabaho iyan at may epekto iyan sa traffic…pero ang kagandahan naman noon, kapag naayos ito ang laking ginhawa nun,” he said.
“Wala tayong choice. Kailangan nating gawin. Mas mabuting gawin na natin ngayon kaysa wala tayong gagawin,” added Dizon.
[Translation: Of course, we won't beat around the bush and pretend that it's not a tough job and it will affect traffic...but the good thing is the convenience once it's fixed…We have no choice. We need to do it. It's better to do it now than do nothing at all.]
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority said it is finalizing rerouting plans for traffic management.
Dizon earlier said the EDSA busway will be part of the repairs.
New busway station
Meanwhile, the Department of Transportation inaugurated a new busway station in Quezon City – providing a concourse linking commuters to transportation hubs and commercial establishments.
Dizon said the newly opened SM North Edsa station will be the model for other stations.
The new facility, which is open 24/7, provides ramps and elevators for commuters, making travel convenient to senior citizens, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities.
A group of commuters lead the ribbon cutting for the opening of the EDSA busway concourse at the SM North EDSA in Quezon City on Thursday, March 13.
Dizon said a similar plan will be carried out by the SM group in Ortigas, Pasig City via the SM Megamall.
In a speech, SM Prime Holdings Inc. President Jeffrey Lim said the project is just the beginning of efforts to make the capital region more connected.
“We will continue working alongside you (the government) to develop and deliver high-impact infrastructure projects that enhance accessibility, efficiency, and overall quality of life,” said Lim.
