Stop pinching yourself, because you aren’t dreaming. Yes, a subway in the Philippines is happening, and it’s expected to be fully operational by the year 2025.
The Philippine Department of Transportation (DOTr) already signed the first part of the project’s design and build contract with the Shimizu Corporation on February 20, 2019. The subway system will span 36km, and will consist of 15 stations over seven cities and three business districts. It is also expected to cut travel time from connected areas to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 (NAIA 3) to just 30 minutes or less.
A section of the project—composed of underground stations along Quirino Highway, Tandang Sora, and North Avenue—is scheduled to be partially operational by 2022. Upon completion in 2025, the subway system is expected to service 370,000 passengers per day, with a capacity of serving up to 1.5 million passengers per day.
DOTr secretary Arthur Tugade, who was recently in Osaka for a committee meeting between the governments of the Philippines and Japan, expressed excitement over idea of the project’s completion, though he acknowledged that there will be some challenges moving forward: “Of course there will be some inconvenience along the way, but that is nothing compared to the long-lasting comfort this project will bring to the Filipino people,” he said in a statement.
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Philippines chief representative Yoshio Wada, who was also in Osaka, promised the JICA’s commitment to the project: “It is our honor to assist the Government of the Philippines to implement this historical flagship project in Metro Manila. We appreciate the fact that our Japanese technology will be utilized for this project and make Filipino people’s life better by mitigating congestion in the city with safe and punctual Japanese railway culture.”
Secretary Tugade has already inspected tunnel boring machines (TBM), subway flood control equipment, and other equipment for the subway system’s construction during his visit to Japan.
So, it looks like this is really pushing through. Anyone else excited to ride the country’s first subway system?
https://www.topgear.com.ph/news/motoring-news/ph-first-subway-a962-20190226
Tuesday, February 26, 2019
We just drove through the soon-to-open NLEX Segment 10, and yes it will make life better
A direct and quick access to Caloocan. A faster way to get to your US Embassy appointment. Plus, it’s going to bring us closer to the City of Manila. These are just three benefits of the NLEX Segment 10.
The opening of the latest section of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) called the Segment 10 is almost upon us.
Segment 10 is 5.65 kilometer, 6-lane (3 lanes either direction) divided and elevated toll expressway that will connect Caloocan (via C3) directly to the NLEX, with another 2.6 kilometers under construction to connect Manila (via R10).
The elevated expressway, built largely over the existing PNR railway tracks, is designed to have a capacity of 30,000 vehicles daily and is rated to sustain the weights of semi-trailer trucks and other heavy-duty vehicles. Segment 10 is also built to the latest standards with solid reinforced concrete guard rails and earthquake safety.
While it may seem like a simple project that will benefit only residents and businesses within the two cities, the impact of NLEX Segment 10 can be far more beneficial the metropolis in general. Let's take a look at five reasons why.
1. Improve transit in and out of Caloocan
The most immediate benefit of the soon-to-be-opened NLEX Segment 10 is that it allows direct and quick access to and from Caloocan and the surrounding areas. So, if you live in Caloocan and have to get to Quezon City, you can do so via Segment 10, 9 and 8 to Mindanao Avenue.
The Department of Public Works and Highways actually says Segment 10 can cut down a trip that normally takes an hour in Caloocan traffic to about 5 minutes. That's 55 minutes in time and cost savings. If you have to drive both ways, that's almost two hours you can save in a day.
2. Will later connect to R10, linking to Roxas Boulevard
Do you have an appointment at the U.S. Embassy (or any of the other diplomatic addresses) on Roxas Boulevard? Travel time will be so much more convenient in the near future thanks to NLEX Segment 10, which will eventually have a terminus at R10 in the Port Area.
When the R10 interchange opens in the near future, it will connect directly to the Manila Bay area. R10, also known as Radial Road 10, is actually somewhat of an extension of Roxas Boulevard; if you're driving northbound on the latter, once you cross the Pasig River, that's R10.
One such benefit was relayed to us by the Chair for the Build Build Build Commitee, Ms. Anna Marie Yu Lamentillo, who holds office at the DPWH in the Port Area, but has to travel to U.P. Diliman in Quezon City to take evening classes for her law degree. A project such as this can drastically cut travel time between her office and the university, and vice versa.
3. Easier access for trucks to and from Manila ports
But beyond the benefits of being able to get to embassies, Intramuros, Luneta Park and many other important destinations in the City Of Manila, NLEX Segment 10 will be of great benefit to big trucks coming in and out of the Port Area.
The project will undoubtedly yield huge benefits for logistics as goods can more easily flow in and out of the country's largest shipping port by tonnage, providing a much-needed boost for imports and exports and, subsequently, the economy. More importantly, the NLEX is not covered by a truck ban—again enhancing the ability of companies to benefit as trucks can be sent out without having to wait out a truck ban.
4. Decongest surrounding areas of vehicles, especially trucks
By providing a faster alternate route for truckers in and out of the Port of Manila and the many industries in the cities of Caloocan, Valenzuela, Manila and more, the traffic in said areas is expected to improve dramatically.
Roads and locales that make up the Northern Truck Route for the Port Area will benefit the most such as Capulong, Tayuman, Gov. Forbes, Aragon, Aurora, Maria Clara, Dimasalang, Blumentritt, and A.Bonifacio. Freeing up these tight and congested roads will undoubtedly be welcomed by residents, and is expected to have a spillover effect and decongest other major roads in the metropolis like EDSA and C-5.
5. Will eventually link up to Skyway Stage 3 via NLEX-SLEX Connector
The master plan for the government's Build Build Build program indicates another road will be constructed called the NLEX-SLEX Connector Road project. It will pick up from the NLEX Segment 10 exit at C3 Road in Caloocan, and link directly to the South Luzon Expressway via a new interchange being constructed near Quirino Avenue.
Once completed in a few years' time, Segment 10 and the NLEX-SLEX Connector will enable trucks to go onto the SLEX, opening up industries of the south to the Port Area and to the north as well. This project will decongest roads such as C-5 which has proved to be the vital link between the NLEX and the SLEX.
This project will also enable motorists to drive directly onto the Metro Manila Skyway to the Manila International Airport, cutting travel time to the metro's four primary air terminals.
https://news.abs-cbn.com/ancx/drive/cars-and-bikes/02/25/19/we-just-drove-through-the-soon-to-open-nlex-segment-10
The opening of the latest section of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) called the Segment 10 is almost upon us.
Segment 10 is 5.65 kilometer, 6-lane (3 lanes either direction) divided and elevated toll expressway that will connect Caloocan (via C3) directly to the NLEX, with another 2.6 kilometers under construction to connect Manila (via R10).
The elevated expressway, built largely over the existing PNR railway tracks, is designed to have a capacity of 30,000 vehicles daily and is rated to sustain the weights of semi-trailer trucks and other heavy-duty vehicles. Segment 10 is also built to the latest standards with solid reinforced concrete guard rails and earthquake safety.
While it may seem like a simple project that will benefit only residents and businesses within the two cities, the impact of NLEX Segment 10 can be far more beneficial the metropolis in general. Let's take a look at five reasons why.
1. Improve transit in and out of Caloocan
The most immediate benefit of the soon-to-be-opened NLEX Segment 10 is that it allows direct and quick access to and from Caloocan and the surrounding areas. So, if you live in Caloocan and have to get to Quezon City, you can do so via Segment 10, 9 and 8 to Mindanao Avenue.
The Department of Public Works and Highways actually says Segment 10 can cut down a trip that normally takes an hour in Caloocan traffic to about 5 minutes. That's 55 minutes in time and cost savings. If you have to drive both ways, that's almost two hours you can save in a day.
2. Will later connect to R10, linking to Roxas Boulevard
Do you have an appointment at the U.S. Embassy (or any of the other diplomatic addresses) on Roxas Boulevard? Travel time will be so much more convenient in the near future thanks to NLEX Segment 10, which will eventually have a terminus at R10 in the Port Area.
When the R10 interchange opens in the near future, it will connect directly to the Manila Bay area. R10, also known as Radial Road 10, is actually somewhat of an extension of Roxas Boulevard; if you're driving northbound on the latter, once you cross the Pasig River, that's R10.
One such benefit was relayed to us by the Chair for the Build Build Build Commitee, Ms. Anna Marie Yu Lamentillo, who holds office at the DPWH in the Port Area, but has to travel to U.P. Diliman in Quezon City to take evening classes for her law degree. A project such as this can drastically cut travel time between her office and the university, and vice versa.
3. Easier access for trucks to and from Manila ports
But beyond the benefits of being able to get to embassies, Intramuros, Luneta Park and many other important destinations in the City Of Manila, NLEX Segment 10 will be of great benefit to big trucks coming in and out of the Port Area.
The project will undoubtedly yield huge benefits for logistics as goods can more easily flow in and out of the country's largest shipping port by tonnage, providing a much-needed boost for imports and exports and, subsequently, the economy. More importantly, the NLEX is not covered by a truck ban—again enhancing the ability of companies to benefit as trucks can be sent out without having to wait out a truck ban.
4. Decongest surrounding areas of vehicles, especially trucks
By providing a faster alternate route for truckers in and out of the Port of Manila and the many industries in the cities of Caloocan, Valenzuela, Manila and more, the traffic in said areas is expected to improve dramatically.
Roads and locales that make up the Northern Truck Route for the Port Area will benefit the most such as Capulong, Tayuman, Gov. Forbes, Aragon, Aurora, Maria Clara, Dimasalang, Blumentritt, and A.Bonifacio. Freeing up these tight and congested roads will undoubtedly be welcomed by residents, and is expected to have a spillover effect and decongest other major roads in the metropolis like EDSA and C-5.
5. Will eventually link up to Skyway Stage 3 via NLEX-SLEX Connector
The master plan for the government's Build Build Build program indicates another road will be constructed called the NLEX-SLEX Connector Road project. It will pick up from the NLEX Segment 10 exit at C3 Road in Caloocan, and link directly to the South Luzon Expressway via a new interchange being constructed near Quirino Avenue.
Once completed in a few years' time, Segment 10 and the NLEX-SLEX Connector will enable trucks to go onto the SLEX, opening up industries of the south to the Port Area and to the north as well. This project will decongest roads such as C-5 which has proved to be the vital link between the NLEX and the SLEX.
This project will also enable motorists to drive directly onto the Metro Manila Skyway to the Manila International Airport, cutting travel time to the metro's four primary air terminals.
https://news.abs-cbn.com/ancx/drive/cars-and-bikes/02/25/19/we-just-drove-through-the-soon-to-open-nlex-segment-10
Monday, February 25, 2019
Transport dep’t calls for groups to bid for Malolos-Clark railway
THE DEPARTMENT of Transportation is inviting groups to bid for the construction of the Malolos-Clark segment of the P777.55-billion North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) project.
In a bulletin published in a newspaper on Saturday, the department said it has set the pre-bid conference on March 7 and the deadline for submission and opening of bids on May 10.
The contract consists of three packages: the first one for engineering works of the railway viaduct, four balanced cantilever bridges and two elevated stations; the second for railway viaduct, one extradosed bridge, two balanced cantilever bridges and one elevated station; and the third for railway viaduct, four balanced cantilever bridges and two elevated stations.
Interested parties may procure hard copies of bid documents per package for P50,000.
The train line from Malolos, Bulacan to Clark, Pampanga will be financed by a $2.75-billion loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The open competitive bidding will adhere to ADB’s Procurement Policy, which requires bidders to come from any of ADB’s 67 member countries.
Qualified bidders are likewise required to have an average annual construction turnover of more than $1 billion per package, minimum available financial resources of $60 million per package and submit a bid security of $12 million per package. It must also have completed a project worth more than $500 million in the past 10 years.
The Malolos-Clark railway forms part of the P777.55 billion NSCR project, which consists of the 56-kilometer line from Calamba, Laguna to Tutuban in Manila, the 38-kilometer segment from Tutuban to Malolos, Bulacan and the 53-kilometer portion from Malolos to Clark, Pampanga.
Last year, the DoTr auctioned off the contract for the Malolos-Tutuban line of the NSCR, where Sumitomo Mitsui Construction Co., Ltd. won the contract. It broke ground on Feb. 15. — Denise A. Valdez
https://www.bworldonline.com/transport-dept-calls-for-groups-to-bid-for-malolos-clark-railway/
In a bulletin published in a newspaper on Saturday, the department said it has set the pre-bid conference on March 7 and the deadline for submission and opening of bids on May 10.
The contract consists of three packages: the first one for engineering works of the railway viaduct, four balanced cantilever bridges and two elevated stations; the second for railway viaduct, one extradosed bridge, two balanced cantilever bridges and one elevated station; and the third for railway viaduct, four balanced cantilever bridges and two elevated stations.
Interested parties may procure hard copies of bid documents per package for P50,000.
The train line from Malolos, Bulacan to Clark, Pampanga will be financed by a $2.75-billion loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The open competitive bidding will adhere to ADB’s Procurement Policy, which requires bidders to come from any of ADB’s 67 member countries.
Qualified bidders are likewise required to have an average annual construction turnover of more than $1 billion per package, minimum available financial resources of $60 million per package and submit a bid security of $12 million per package. It must also have completed a project worth more than $500 million in the past 10 years.
The Malolos-Clark railway forms part of the P777.55 billion NSCR project, which consists of the 56-kilometer line from Calamba, Laguna to Tutuban in Manila, the 38-kilometer segment from Tutuban to Malolos, Bulacan and the 53-kilometer portion from Malolos to Clark, Pampanga.
Last year, the DoTr auctioned off the contract for the Malolos-Tutuban line of the NSCR, where Sumitomo Mitsui Construction Co., Ltd. won the contract. It broke ground on Feb. 15. — Denise A. Valdez
https://www.bworldonline.com/transport-dept-calls-for-groups-to-bid-for-malolos-clark-railway/
LRT-1 Cavite extension construction to start April
Construction of the project extending the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) to Cavite is finally pushing through after years of delay, despite the start of the construction officially being moved to the second quarter from the previous target of first quarter.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said the project, which will stretch LRT-1 over 33 kilometers from Roosevelt in Quezon City to Niog in Bacoor City is set to start in April.
“Mock up LRV (light rail vehicle) has arrived in the Philippines and it will be unveiled in April, parallel to the start of construction of the LRT Cavite Extension,” the DOTr said.
Light Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC) president and chief executive officer Juan Alfonso earlier indicated plans to move the start of construction of the project to the second quarter.
“A lot of the right of way issues have been resolved, but for example, there are utilities that still need to be relocated, so once those are fairly complete then we can start construction. The right of way is already there, but sometimes it is not free and clear so there are still obstacles that are being fixed right now,” Alfonso said in an interview last December.
The LRT-1 currently has 20 stations spanning from Roosevelt Station in Quezon City to Baclaran Station in Parañaque City.
The LRMC consortium, composed of Metro Pacific Investments Corp.’s Metro Pacific Light Rail Corp., Ayala Corp.’s AC Infrastructure Holdings Corp., and Macquarie Infrastructure Holdings (Philippines) PTE Ltd., also won the contract for the LRT-Cavite extension project which will give rise to eight new stations – Redemptorist, NAIA Avenue, Asia World, Ninoy Aquino and Dr. Santos stations in Parañaque, Las Piñas and Zapote stations in Las Piñas City and Niog station in Bacoor.
Right of way issues have hounded the project in the past, as it was supposed to have been completed by this time based on the original concession agreement in 2014.
The extension project is expected to be completed by the last quarter of 2021 or early 2022.
Once built, travel time from Bacoor to Central Station in Manila will be down to 45 minutes, and to Roosevelt Station in one hour and 10 minutes, even during rush hours.
https://www.philstar.com/business/2019/02/25/1896418/lrt-1-cavite-extension-construction-start-april
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said the project, which will stretch LRT-1 over 33 kilometers from Roosevelt in Quezon City to Niog in Bacoor City is set to start in April.
“Mock up LRV (light rail vehicle) has arrived in the Philippines and it will be unveiled in April, parallel to the start of construction of the LRT Cavite Extension,” the DOTr said.
Light Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC) president and chief executive officer Juan Alfonso earlier indicated plans to move the start of construction of the project to the second quarter.
“A lot of the right of way issues have been resolved, but for example, there are utilities that still need to be relocated, so once those are fairly complete then we can start construction. The right of way is already there, but sometimes it is not free and clear so there are still obstacles that are being fixed right now,” Alfonso said in an interview last December.
The LRT-1 currently has 20 stations spanning from Roosevelt Station in Quezon City to Baclaran Station in Parañaque City.
The LRMC consortium, composed of Metro Pacific Investments Corp.’s Metro Pacific Light Rail Corp., Ayala Corp.’s AC Infrastructure Holdings Corp., and Macquarie Infrastructure Holdings (Philippines) PTE Ltd., also won the contract for the LRT-Cavite extension project which will give rise to eight new stations – Redemptorist, NAIA Avenue, Asia World, Ninoy Aquino and Dr. Santos stations in Parañaque, Las Piñas and Zapote stations in Las Piñas City and Niog station in Bacoor.
Right of way issues have hounded the project in the past, as it was supposed to have been completed by this time based on the original concession agreement in 2014.
The extension project is expected to be completed by the last quarter of 2021 or early 2022.
Once built, travel time from Bacoor to Central Station in Manila will be down to 45 minutes, and to Roosevelt Station in one hour and 10 minutes, even during rush hours.
https://www.philstar.com/business/2019/02/25/1896418/lrt-1-cavite-extension-construction-start-april
Thursday, February 21, 2019
A month of heart: Four major DOTr railway projects for the Filipino
FEATURE
True love is not the monopoly of couples, families, or friends. Another kind of true love resides in the commitment to faithfully deliver public service, a kind of love that also braves seemingly insurmountable challenges and endures the test of time.
To show its love for Filipinos, the Department of Transportation (DOTr), under the leadership of Secretary Arthur P. Tugade, fetes four major railway projects this February to build the foundation of a safe, efficient, and convenient mass transit system for Filipinos.
The DOTr, and its attached agencies and private partners, is going “fast and sure” with the MRT-3 Rehabilitation Project, the construction of the Common Station, PNR Clark Phase 1, and the Metro Manila Subway.
MRT-3 rehabilitation project
Scarred from years of short-term maintenance, the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) has been wallowing in an abjectly degraded state, causing stress and inconvenience to the riding public.
But the broken shall be made whole again.
Following the signing of an P18-billion loan agreement with Japan and the return of Sumitomo Corporation and its technical partner Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) as the Rehabilitation and Maintenance Service Provider, MRT-3 is set to undergo rehabilitation and maintenance of its electromechanical components, power supply, rail tracks, depot equipment, and overhaul of its 72 light rail vehicles.
Once rehabilitated, the MRT-3 will return to its high-grade infrastructure condition. It will increase the number of its operating train sets from the current 15 to 20 at peak hours, double the train operating speed to 60 kilometers per hour, and slash by half the time between trains from the current 7-10 minutes to 3.5 minutes.
Transition works are now ongoing.
Common Station: Building a long-lasting connection
Unless there’s a genuine and solid connection, a relationship can easily drift apart.
To provide the Filipinos unprecedented connection in public transport, the construction of the Unified Grand Central Station (UGCS) in Quezon City, also known as the Common Station, is well on its way.
The Common Station is a 13,700-square meter concourse at the north end of EDSA that aims to provide seamless transfer of passengers of four railway lines, namely, the LRT-1, MRT-3, MRT-7, and the Metro Manila Subway. It will be built through the collaborative efforts of the government and private sector partners.
The concourse is comprised of three areas: Area A under the DOTr, the contract for the design and build of which was signed on 13 February 2019; Area B under Ayala Land Inc. which has already started construction; and Area C under the MRT-7 Project facilitated by San Miguel Corporation (SMC).
The Common Station will feature a transit area for the riding public, operated by an automated fare collection system that will give commuters enhanced point-to-point mobility and comfort once operational by 2022.
DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade summed up the value of the Common Station in three words: interoperability, intermodality, and interconnectivity. These, according to the transportation chief, are key elements in making the Filpino life comfortable.
PNR Clark Phase 1: On the way to your hearts
Sometimes, the long wait is rewarded with THE one.
In a seminal initiative to connect North and South Luzon through a mass transit system, the North-South Commuter Railway Project is finally on its way to the hearts of Filipinos, following the start of full-blast construction of the Tutuban to Malolos leg, known as PNR Clark Phase 1, on 15 February 2019.
Soon, a train from Clark, Pampanga, to Los Banos, Laguna, will be a familiar scene in our daily lives.
PNR Clark Phase 1 is a 38-kilometer mass railway project implemented by the DOTr and the Philippine National Railways (PNR). This leg will have 10 stations from Tutuban, Manila to Malolos, Bulacan. Once fully operational, it will cut the commute of over 300,000 passengers between Manila, and Bulacan from one hour and 45 minutes to just 35 minutes.
PNR Clark Phase 1 will be seamlessly connected with the PNR Clark Phase 2 (Malolos-Clark) and PNR Calamba, forming one integrated commuter railway system that will serve commuters traveling to, from, within the National Capital Region, Central Luzon to Calabarzon.
As trailblazing projects go, the North-South Commuter Railway Project is poised to transform not only the commuting experience of Filipinos, but on a grander scale, the economic and social landscape of Luzon through a firm linkage of Mega Manila.
Metro Manila Subway: How Deep is Your Love?
For love of country, the DOTr will bore through the depths of the concrete jungle that is Metro Manila to deliver “the project of the century” – the Metro Manila Subway.
A major transformational project in mass transport, the Metro Manila Subway is set to break ground this February.
The Philippines’ first-ever subway stretches 30 kilometers, with 15 stations from Quirino Highway in Quezon City to NAIA Terminal 3 and FTI, and provisions for a 5-kilometer extension and two additional stations to connect with LRT-1.
The Metro Manila Subway will feature an automatic train control system and platform screen doors, earthquake sensors, and flood control system for passenger safety and disaster resilience.
At an incredible speed of 80 kilometers per hour, the subway will be the country’s fastest public transport, dramatically reducing travel time from North Avenue in Quezon City to the airport to just 31 minutes.
The Metro Manila Subway aims to serve an estimated 370,000 commuters daily when partial operations of the first three stations commence in 2022. The entire system will be fully operational by 2025.
Love for the Filipino people
Perhaps, no love is grander than love of country when it goes beyond the realm of the personal to embrace the spectrum of possibilities for others.
The DOTr and its attached agencies are determined, through transformational initiatives and flagship projects, to transport the Filipinos to the ‘golden age of infrastructure,’ where public transport becomes an equalizer in Philippine society.
It truly has been a month of heart.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/02/21/a-month-of-heart-four-major-dotr-railway-projects-for-the-filipino/
True love is not the monopoly of couples, families, or friends. Another kind of true love resides in the commitment to faithfully deliver public service, a kind of love that also braves seemingly insurmountable challenges and endures the test of time.
To show its love for Filipinos, the Department of Transportation (DOTr), under the leadership of Secretary Arthur P. Tugade, fetes four major railway projects this February to build the foundation of a safe, efficient, and convenient mass transit system for Filipinos.
The DOTr, and its attached agencies and private partners, is going “fast and sure” with the MRT-3 Rehabilitation Project, the construction of the Common Station, PNR Clark Phase 1, and the Metro Manila Subway.
MRT-3 rehabilitation project
Scarred from years of short-term maintenance, the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) has been wallowing in an abjectly degraded state, causing stress and inconvenience to the riding public.
But the broken shall be made whole again.
Following the signing of an P18-billion loan agreement with Japan and the return of Sumitomo Corporation and its technical partner Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) as the Rehabilitation and Maintenance Service Provider, MRT-3 is set to undergo rehabilitation and maintenance of its electromechanical components, power supply, rail tracks, depot equipment, and overhaul of its 72 light rail vehicles.
Once rehabilitated, the MRT-3 will return to its high-grade infrastructure condition. It will increase the number of its operating train sets from the current 15 to 20 at peak hours, double the train operating speed to 60 kilometers per hour, and slash by half the time between trains from the current 7-10 minutes to 3.5 minutes.
Transition works are now ongoing.
Common Station: Building a long-lasting connection
Unless there’s a genuine and solid connection, a relationship can easily drift apart.
To provide the Filipinos unprecedented connection in public transport, the construction of the Unified Grand Central Station (UGCS) in Quezon City, also known as the Common Station, is well on its way.
The Common Station is a 13,700-square meter concourse at the north end of EDSA that aims to provide seamless transfer of passengers of four railway lines, namely, the LRT-1, MRT-3, MRT-7, and the Metro Manila Subway. It will be built through the collaborative efforts of the government and private sector partners.
The concourse is comprised of three areas: Area A under the DOTr, the contract for the design and build of which was signed on 13 February 2019; Area B under Ayala Land Inc. which has already started construction; and Area C under the MRT-7 Project facilitated by San Miguel Corporation (SMC).
The Common Station will feature a transit area for the riding public, operated by an automated fare collection system that will give commuters enhanced point-to-point mobility and comfort once operational by 2022.
DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade summed up the value of the Common Station in three words: interoperability, intermodality, and interconnectivity. These, according to the transportation chief, are key elements in making the Filpino life comfortable.
PNR Clark Phase 1: On the way to your hearts
Sometimes, the long wait is rewarded with THE one.
In a seminal initiative to connect North and South Luzon through a mass transit system, the North-South Commuter Railway Project is finally on its way to the hearts of Filipinos, following the start of full-blast construction of the Tutuban to Malolos leg, known as PNR Clark Phase 1, on 15 February 2019.
Soon, a train from Clark, Pampanga, to Los Banos, Laguna, will be a familiar scene in our daily lives.
PNR Clark Phase 1 is a 38-kilometer mass railway project implemented by the DOTr and the Philippine National Railways (PNR). This leg will have 10 stations from Tutuban, Manila to Malolos, Bulacan. Once fully operational, it will cut the commute of over 300,000 passengers between Manila, and Bulacan from one hour and 45 minutes to just 35 minutes.
PNR Clark Phase 1 will be seamlessly connected with the PNR Clark Phase 2 (Malolos-Clark) and PNR Calamba, forming one integrated commuter railway system that will serve commuters traveling to, from, within the National Capital Region, Central Luzon to Calabarzon.
As trailblazing projects go, the North-South Commuter Railway Project is poised to transform not only the commuting experience of Filipinos, but on a grander scale, the economic and social landscape of Luzon through a firm linkage of Mega Manila.
Metro Manila Subway: How Deep is Your Love?
For love of country, the DOTr will bore through the depths of the concrete jungle that is Metro Manila to deliver “the project of the century” – the Metro Manila Subway.
A major transformational project in mass transport, the Metro Manila Subway is set to break ground this February.
The Philippines’ first-ever subway stretches 30 kilometers, with 15 stations from Quirino Highway in Quezon City to NAIA Terminal 3 and FTI, and provisions for a 5-kilometer extension and two additional stations to connect with LRT-1.
The Metro Manila Subway will feature an automatic train control system and platform screen doors, earthquake sensors, and flood control system for passenger safety and disaster resilience.
At an incredible speed of 80 kilometers per hour, the subway will be the country’s fastest public transport, dramatically reducing travel time from North Avenue in Quezon City to the airport to just 31 minutes.
The Metro Manila Subway aims to serve an estimated 370,000 commuters daily when partial operations of the first three stations commence in 2022. The entire system will be fully operational by 2025.
Love for the Filipino people
Perhaps, no love is grander than love of country when it goes beyond the realm of the personal to embrace the spectrum of possibilities for others.
The DOTr and its attached agencies are determined, through transformational initiatives and flagship projects, to transport the Filipinos to the ‘golden age of infrastructure,’ where public transport becomes an equalizer in Philippine society.
It truly has been a month of heart.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/02/21/a-month-of-heart-four-major-dotr-railway-projects-for-the-filipino/
Wednesday, February 20, 2019
NLEX Harbor Link Segment 10 to open Feb. 26
The 5.65-kilometer North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) Harbor Link Segment 10 is set to open on February 26, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) announced on Wednesday.
DPWH Secretary Mark Villar said once the elevated expressway is opened, the travel time from Circumferential Road 3 (C3) to NLEX will only be 10 minutes.
“We are glad that this much-awaited traffic decongestion project will soon be open to our motorists. With this new road, travel time between C3 and NLEX will only take 10 minutes,” he said in a statement.
“Aligned with the vision of the Duterte administration’s massive infrastructure plan --- the “Build Build Build” program --- the NLEX Harbor Link Segment 10 is being anticipated to improve accessibility and connectivity between key areas of Metro Manila and the northern provinces of Luzon via the NLEX,” said Villar, who led the final inspection of the project.
Traversing the cities of Valenzuela, Malabon, and Caloocan, the NLEX Harbor Link Segment 10 is seen to ease traffic bottlenecks as it diverts 30,000 vehicles daily away from the busy streets of Metro Manila.
It will also facilitate the efficient delivery of goods as cargo trucks will have 24/7 direct access from the port area to the provinces in northern Luzon and vice versa.
This alternative route will enable travelers from Manila to Central and North Luzon to have shorter travel time, as they can head straight to the NLEX bypassing Edsa and the Balintawak Toll Plaza. The next phase of this project is the 2.6-km section from C3 Road, Caloocan City to R10, Navotas City.
Along with the full opening of the NLEX Harbor Link Segment 10 is the partial opening of the new Caloocan Interchange --- the fourth gateway of NLEX to Metro Manila, after Balintawak, Mindanao Avenue, and Karuhatan.
The new Caloocan Interchange serves as the point, where the NLEX Harbor Link Segment 10, the C3-R-10 section, and the NLEX Connector will converge. This junction is located along the PNR tracks in 5th Avenue/C3 Road in Caloocan City.
Meanwhile, Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) chairman Manuel Pangilinan said they are very pleased with the government’s help in speeding up important infrastructure projects.
“Apart from our team’s commitment to support the administration’s ‘Build Build Build’ program, the government’s help in ramping up the acquisition of right-of-way made us deliver this vital infrastructure which aims to bolster development and ease traffic congestion in the country,” he added.
Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC) president Rodrigo Franco noted that “NLEX Harbor Link Segment 10 is just one of Metro Pacific’s expansion projects geared towards providing further convenience to motorists and bringing more opportunities in nearby cities and provinces.”
The undertaking will also pave the way for the NLEX Connector, which is expected to decongest major thoroughfares and improve linkages between the north and south.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1062496
DPWH Secretary Mark Villar said once the elevated expressway is opened, the travel time from Circumferential Road 3 (C3) to NLEX will only be 10 minutes.
“We are glad that this much-awaited traffic decongestion project will soon be open to our motorists. With this new road, travel time between C3 and NLEX will only take 10 minutes,” he said in a statement.
“Aligned with the vision of the Duterte administration’s massive infrastructure plan --- the “Build Build Build” program --- the NLEX Harbor Link Segment 10 is being anticipated to improve accessibility and connectivity between key areas of Metro Manila and the northern provinces of Luzon via the NLEX,” said Villar, who led the final inspection of the project.
Traversing the cities of Valenzuela, Malabon, and Caloocan, the NLEX Harbor Link Segment 10 is seen to ease traffic bottlenecks as it diverts 30,000 vehicles daily away from the busy streets of Metro Manila.
It will also facilitate the efficient delivery of goods as cargo trucks will have 24/7 direct access from the port area to the provinces in northern Luzon and vice versa.
This alternative route will enable travelers from Manila to Central and North Luzon to have shorter travel time, as they can head straight to the NLEX bypassing Edsa and the Balintawak Toll Plaza. The next phase of this project is the 2.6-km section from C3 Road, Caloocan City to R10, Navotas City.
Along with the full opening of the NLEX Harbor Link Segment 10 is the partial opening of the new Caloocan Interchange --- the fourth gateway of NLEX to Metro Manila, after Balintawak, Mindanao Avenue, and Karuhatan.
The new Caloocan Interchange serves as the point, where the NLEX Harbor Link Segment 10, the C3-R-10 section, and the NLEX Connector will converge. This junction is located along the PNR tracks in 5th Avenue/C3 Road in Caloocan City.
Meanwhile, Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) chairman Manuel Pangilinan said they are very pleased with the government’s help in speeding up important infrastructure projects.
“Apart from our team’s commitment to support the administration’s ‘Build Build Build’ program, the government’s help in ramping up the acquisition of right-of-way made us deliver this vital infrastructure which aims to bolster development and ease traffic congestion in the country,” he added.
Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC) president Rodrigo Franco noted that “NLEX Harbor Link Segment 10 is just one of Metro Pacific’s expansion projects geared towards providing further convenience to motorists and bringing more opportunities in nearby cities and provinces.”
The undertaking will also pave the way for the NLEX Connector, which is expected to decongest major thoroughfares and improve linkages between the north and south.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1062496
Sec. Villar inspects soon-to-open NLEX Harbor Link Segment 10
 |
| Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Mark Villar (center) leads the inspection of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEx) Harbor Link Segment 10. He was joined by (from left) NLEx Corporation Chief Operating Officer Raul Ignacio, DPWH Undersecretary for planning and public-private partnership Maria Catalina Cabral, DPWH National Capital Region Dir. Ador Canlas, and NLEx Corporation Senior Vice President for Communication and Stakeholder Management Romulo Quimbo Jr. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO |
Public Works Secretary Mark Villar on Wednesday made an early morning inspection of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEx) Harbor Link Segment 10 that is expected to officially open next week.
The 5.65-kilometer elevated expressway, which will connect C3 in Caloocan City to NLEX Valenzuela City, will cut the travel time from one hour to 10 minutes.
“The NLEX Harbor Link Segment 10 will be a traffic game changer since this will reduce travel time from C3 to NLEX to just 10 minutes,” said Villar.
He said some 30,000 vehicles would benefit from the new expressway.
Villar was joined by NLEx and other DPWH officials in the inspection.
Shipment of goods from Northern and Central Luzon to the Port Area in Manila and vice versa would become faster and easier when the road link finally opens on Feb. 26, Villar said.
He said its completion is envisioned to ease traffic congestion in Metro Manila as it will serve as an alternate corridor for motorists traveling from Central and North Luzon provinces, Valenzuela City, and Quezon City to Manila.
“The next phase of this project is the 2.6-km section from C3 Road, Caloocan City to R10, Navotas City which we hope to finish by the end of this year,” Villar said./lzb
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1088099/sec-villar-inspects-soon-to-open-nlex-harbor-link-segment-10
There seems to be a direction / plan in opening / prioritizing the road projects
With NLEX Harbor Link Segment 10 open this serve as alternate route to NLEX along with Segment 8.1 and 9 now that NLEX Balintawak is partially close for Skyway Segment 5.
Then according to DPWH Sec Villar Guadalupe bridge will be closed by the end of the year, when Skyway mainline is open.
Could the NAIA Expressway extension start once the flyover from C-5 over SLEX is done, as this will be again an alternate route from BGC to airport should they start extending NAIA Expressway to Lawton Ave.
Comelec asked to exclude priority infra projects from ban
Economic managers of the administration have formally asked the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to exclude at least 145 priority infrastructure projects nationwide from the ban imposed on such projects during election season.
In a letter dated February 18, 2019, obtained by journalists Wednesday, and said to be submitted to Comelec Chairman Sheriff M. Abas, economic managers said allowing these projects to continue even during the election period will enable the Duterte administration to increase public infrastructure investments' share on domestic output to 6.9 percent by 2022, from only 4.4 percent in 2017.
“In order to ensure timely implementation of the priority infrastructure projects, the Economic Team of the Administration is respectfully requesting the Commission for an exemption of the priority infrastructure projects from the election ban,” the letter said.
It also pointed out that “the exemption will facilitate implementation and ensure that there are no delays and disruption of these national priority projects.”
The letter was signed by National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia, Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III, and Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Benjamin Diokno.
Earlier, economic managers said that their request for exemptions were brought about by the delayed approval of the 2019 national budget, which held back the implementation of numerous projects under the “Build, Build, Build” program, among others.
Citing Comelec Resolution No. 10429, which in turn, referred to Omnibus Election Code (OEC), the letter stated that “release, disbursement or expenditures of public funds” and the “construction of public works, delivery of materials for public works and issuance of treasury warrant or similar devises for a future undertaking chargeable against public funds” are prohibited from March 29 to May 12, 2019.
The letter, however, noted that Section 261 (v) of the OEC states that the ban “shall not apply to ongoing public works projects commenced before the campaign period or similar projects under foreign agreements” and that “it shall be the duty of the government officials or agencies concerned to report to the Commission the list of all such projects being undertaken by them.”
Included in the projects that are requested to be exempted from the election ban are the Mindanao Rail Project, Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 3 rehabilitation project, Metro Manila Subway Project Phase 1, Philippine National Railway (PNR) North 1 (Tutuban-Malolos), PNR South Commuter (Solis-Los Banos), all of which are to be implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highway’s (DPWH).
Other DPWH projects that are included in the list are the Tacloban Airport, Davao International Airport, Catbalogan Airport, and Central Mindanao (M’lang) Airport.
Diokno, in his weekly “Breakfast with Ben” briefing Wednesday, said school building projects of the Department of Education (DepEd) as well as projects of the Department of Agriculture (DA) are also included in the request.
Cost of these projects are “substantial”, he said.
He added that DPWH Secretary Mark Villar has submitted a separate request to the Comelec.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1062467
In a letter dated February 18, 2019, obtained by journalists Wednesday, and said to be submitted to Comelec Chairman Sheriff M. Abas, economic managers said allowing these projects to continue even during the election period will enable the Duterte administration to increase public infrastructure investments' share on domestic output to 6.9 percent by 2022, from only 4.4 percent in 2017.
“In order to ensure timely implementation of the priority infrastructure projects, the Economic Team of the Administration is respectfully requesting the Commission for an exemption of the priority infrastructure projects from the election ban,” the letter said.
It also pointed out that “the exemption will facilitate implementation and ensure that there are no delays and disruption of these national priority projects.”
The letter was signed by National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia, Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III, and Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Benjamin Diokno.
Earlier, economic managers said that their request for exemptions were brought about by the delayed approval of the 2019 national budget, which held back the implementation of numerous projects under the “Build, Build, Build” program, among others.
Citing Comelec Resolution No. 10429, which in turn, referred to Omnibus Election Code (OEC), the letter stated that “release, disbursement or expenditures of public funds” and the “construction of public works, delivery of materials for public works and issuance of treasury warrant or similar devises for a future undertaking chargeable against public funds” are prohibited from March 29 to May 12, 2019.
The letter, however, noted that Section 261 (v) of the OEC states that the ban “shall not apply to ongoing public works projects commenced before the campaign period or similar projects under foreign agreements” and that “it shall be the duty of the government officials or agencies concerned to report to the Commission the list of all such projects being undertaken by them.”
Included in the projects that are requested to be exempted from the election ban are the Mindanao Rail Project, Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 3 rehabilitation project, Metro Manila Subway Project Phase 1, Philippine National Railway (PNR) North 1 (Tutuban-Malolos), PNR South Commuter (Solis-Los Banos), all of which are to be implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highway’s (DPWH).
Other DPWH projects that are included in the list are the Tacloban Airport, Davao International Airport, Catbalogan Airport, and Central Mindanao (M’lang) Airport.
Diokno, in his weekly “Breakfast with Ben” briefing Wednesday, said school building projects of the Department of Education (DepEd) as well as projects of the Department of Agriculture (DA) are also included in the request.
Cost of these projects are “substantial”, he said.
He added that DPWH Secretary Mark Villar has submitted a separate request to the Comelec.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1062467
Philippines starts North-South Commuter Railway Project works
The Government of Philippines has started construction of the North-South Commuter Railway Project in Manila.
Construction works started with the ground-breaking ceremony the Tutuban to Malolos section of the project called the PNR Clark Phase I.
A 37.6 km.-long section, PNR Clark Phase I will be implemented by the government’s Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Philippine National Railways (PNR).
It will feature ten stations and a depot in Valenzuela City.
Once completed, the section will be served by 13 eight-car train sets and will reduce travel time between Manila and Malolos from one hour and 45 minutes to just 35 minutes.
"The section will reduce travel time between Manila and Malolos from one hour and 45 minutes to just 35 minutes."
PNR Clark Phase I is expected to serve more than 300,000 passengers daily.
Additionally, the section will be connected with the PNR Clark Phase II (Malolos-Clark) and PNR Calamba to form an integrated commuter railway system.
DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade said: “This is the President’s gift not only to the people of Bulacan and Pampanga, but more importantly, to the people of this country, in high hopes of providing them with an efficient and comfortable mode of transport.”
The construction works for the PNR Clark Phase I begin within one month of signing of the loan agreement between the Philippines and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Last month, JICA agreed to provide a $1.53bn loan towards the construction of the North-South Commuter Railway Extension Project.
The ground breaking for the Metro Manila Subway, also funded through a JICA loan, is scheduled on 26 February.
https://www.railway-technology.com/news/philippines-starts-north-south-commuter-railway-project-works/
Construction works started with the ground-breaking ceremony the Tutuban to Malolos section of the project called the PNR Clark Phase I.
A 37.6 km.-long section, PNR Clark Phase I will be implemented by the government’s Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Philippine National Railways (PNR).
It will feature ten stations and a depot in Valenzuela City.
Once completed, the section will be served by 13 eight-car train sets and will reduce travel time between Manila and Malolos from one hour and 45 minutes to just 35 minutes.
"The section will reduce travel time between Manila and Malolos from one hour and 45 minutes to just 35 minutes."
PNR Clark Phase I is expected to serve more than 300,000 passengers daily.
Additionally, the section will be connected with the PNR Clark Phase II (Malolos-Clark) and PNR Calamba to form an integrated commuter railway system.
DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade said: “This is the President’s gift not only to the people of Bulacan and Pampanga, but more importantly, to the people of this country, in high hopes of providing them with an efficient and comfortable mode of transport.”
The construction works for the PNR Clark Phase I begin within one month of signing of the loan agreement between the Philippines and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Last month, JICA agreed to provide a $1.53bn loan towards the construction of the North-South Commuter Railway Extension Project.
The ground breaking for the Metro Manila Subway, also funded through a JICA loan, is scheduled on 26 February.
https://www.railway-technology.com/news/philippines-starts-north-south-commuter-railway-project-works/
P600-million Naia 2 makeover completed in Q1 of 2020
THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) aims to complete the P600-million makeover of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) Terminal 2 by the first quarter of 2020, a government official said on Monday.
Manila International Airport Authority (Miaa) General Manager Ed V. Monreal said with the renovation of Naia 2 now in “full swing,” the government expects project contractor A.G. Araja Construction and Development Corp. to complete the facelift initiative by March next year.
“We started last September 2018 and despite the challenges, we shall proceed as planned. I say challenge because we are business as usual despite ongoing works. We hope to deliver on our promise to finish everything by March next year,” he said.
The project involves the replacement of damaged floor finishes, and the restoration and chemical cleaning of stained floor finishes in the arrival and departure passenger movement areas.
Aside from these, the contract also calls for the replacement of damaged ceilings, baggage claim area and elevated roadway; and the repair of 32 skylight roofing materials.
The contractor will also upgrade the walls, columns, beams and soffit finishes at the arrival and departure passenger movement areas, as well as the aerobridge areas and elevated roadways.
Replacement of glass doors at the predeparture gates and fixed bridge gates, and cleaning and polishing of metal frames, metal louvers and claddings will also be undertaken.
Monreal said a marked improvement will soon greet passengers with the expansion of the departure check-in hall and the arrival baggage area.
The work includes the construction of a drop wall, installation of structural framing, installation of new glass wall panels and partitions, glass doors and metal ceiling panels.
To complement the expansion of these two areas, additional air-conditioning system, power, lightings, fire protection, electronics and communications systems will also be installed. The contractor will also build a power room to host additional power supply requirements.
Likewise, it will fix and waterproof exterior ledges, walls, beams, soffit, pathways and pocket gardens, and add tubular bars at the bottom of existing railings at the well-wishers area.
Display systems and public address system will also be improved.
“Given the spatial constraints that we have in Terminal 2 vis-à-vis the growing passenger traffic, we assure air travelers that we are doing all we can to be of better service to them. We appeal to all airport users to bear with us at this time,” Monreal said.
https://businessmirror.com.ph/2019/02/19/p600-million-naia-2-makeover-completed-in-q1-of-2020/
Manila International Airport Authority (Miaa) General Manager Ed V. Monreal said with the renovation of Naia 2 now in “full swing,” the government expects project contractor A.G. Araja Construction and Development Corp. to complete the facelift initiative by March next year.
“We started last September 2018 and despite the challenges, we shall proceed as planned. I say challenge because we are business as usual despite ongoing works. We hope to deliver on our promise to finish everything by March next year,” he said.
The project involves the replacement of damaged floor finishes, and the restoration and chemical cleaning of stained floor finishes in the arrival and departure passenger movement areas.
Aside from these, the contract also calls for the replacement of damaged ceilings, baggage claim area and elevated roadway; and the repair of 32 skylight roofing materials.
The contractor will also upgrade the walls, columns, beams and soffit finishes at the arrival and departure passenger movement areas, as well as the aerobridge areas and elevated roadways.
Replacement of glass doors at the predeparture gates and fixed bridge gates, and cleaning and polishing of metal frames, metal louvers and claddings will also be undertaken.
Monreal said a marked improvement will soon greet passengers with the expansion of the departure check-in hall and the arrival baggage area.
The work includes the construction of a drop wall, installation of structural framing, installation of new glass wall panels and partitions, glass doors and metal ceiling panels.
To complement the expansion of these two areas, additional air-conditioning system, power, lightings, fire protection, electronics and communications systems will also be installed. The contractor will also build a power room to host additional power supply requirements.
Likewise, it will fix and waterproof exterior ledges, walls, beams, soffit, pathways and pocket gardens, and add tubular bars at the bottom of existing railings at the well-wishers area.
Display systems and public address system will also be improved.
“Given the spatial constraints that we have in Terminal 2 vis-à-vis the growing passenger traffic, we assure air travelers that we are doing all we can to be of better service to them. We appeal to all airport users to bear with us at this time,” Monreal said.
https://businessmirror.com.ph/2019/02/19/p600-million-naia-2-makeover-completed-in-q1-of-2020/
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