Aquino approves construction of Edsa-Taft flyover

PRESIDENT Aquino . INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—President Benigno Aquino III on Tuesday gave the green light for the construction of a flyover at the perennially traffic-choked corner of Edsa and Taft Avenue in Metro Manila.

“The President has allowed the project to move forward subject to the approval of the Neda-ICC (National Economic Development Authority-Investment Coordinating Committee),” said presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda in a text message.

P2.7-billion project

Mr. Aquino, however, instructed that the government take the necessary measures to minimize any inconvenience to Edsa motorists before actual construction takes place, Lacierda said.

Mr. Aquino gave his approval to the project during a meeting with public works officials at the Palace.

The project is estimated to cost P2.7 billion, with the flyover extending to about 1.2 kilometers each side.

The project is designed to add two lanes each to both the northbound and southbound directions of Edsa, spanning Malibay Bridge in Makati City to F.B. Harrison Street in Pasay City.

“The entire project’s projected timetable (from precompletion to construction) is 15 months. Actual construction (will) take 12 months,” said Lacierda.

The Neda-ICC will review the proposal this month to check its compliance with the two conditions set by the President, before it goes to the Neda board for approval.

The flyover is expected to lessen the gridlock in the intersection and also provide quick access from Makati, Manila and Pasay to the Entertainment City of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. at the Manila Bay reclamation area.

Lacierda said the Edsa-Taft flyover project would help alleviate traffic congestion by providing uninterrupted traffic flow and improving the level of service from heavy to moderate flow.

It will also increase the road network by adding more lanes and will cut the average travel time by 50 percent, he added.