BBB infra projects resume but must be 'reprioritized’: Palace

All infrastructure projects under the national government’s ambitious “Build, Build, Build” (BBB) program will push through amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) but will be subject to “reprioritization,” Malacañang said on Tuesday.

“Tuloy naman po ang BBB. Kung meron pong mga pagbabago sa plano, it’s a matter of reprioritization or yung tinatawag nilang for future release (BBB projects have resumed. If there will be changes in the plan, it’s a matter or reprioritization or what they call for future release),” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a virtual press briefing.

The resumption of “Build, Build, Build” projects is seen as a solution to reboot the country’s economy that contracted for the first time in 22 years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

On June 16, Malacañang announced that the government is ready to resume all big-ticket projects under the “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program.

Some of the projects that have resumed are the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) Harbor Link, the NLEX-SLEX Connector, the Cavite-Laguna Expressway, the Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3, the R-1 Bridge Project, the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway Project and the Subic Freeport Expressway Project.

Loan agreements were also signed between the Department of Finance and Japan International Cooperation Agency for two flagship infrastructure projects -- the PHP57-billion loan to support the Cebu-Mactan Fourth Bridge and the Coastal Road Construction in the Visayas and the PHP18.5-billion supplemental funding for the Davao City Bypass Construction Project.

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), in its report called “We Recover as One, recommends the alignment of expenditure priorities in 2020 and 2021.

The NEDA report also calls for a review of the list of “Build, Build, Build” projects to give priority to crucial and shovel-ready projects, provide more space for relevant health-related expenditures, and improve the country’s digital infrastructure.

“Budget reprioritization may be needed to fund the PAPs (programs, activities, and projects) that are recommended to be implemented in 2020. PAPs that are to be implemented in 2021 will need to be included in the 2021 National Expenditure Program,” the report said.

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM), in its Memorandum 136 dated May 21, also seeks the review and reprioritization of the proposed 2021 budget towards containing the spread and mitigating the effects of Covid-19 outbreak.

For 2021, DBM suggests that there should be funding for road and transport projects under “Build, Build, Build” program.

House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano proposed on Tuesday that the “Build, Build, Build” program should be converted into a “Build Back Better Program,” which will focus on infrastructure spending for health, education, agriculture, local roads and livelihood, information technology and tourism sectors.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1108209

Reimagining the Smokey Mountain alignment

The right of way problem which delayed Radial Road 10 spanned six presidents. The road traversing the old Smokey Mountain area was congested by informal settlers. It was only in January, 2017, that the Department of Public Works and Highways, under the leadership of Secretary Mark Villar, was able to complete the conversion of the 9.7-km road section into a high-capacity highway which helped offset the usual heavy volume of vehicles in major thoroughfares like EDSA and C5. 

When it opened, the Radial Road 10 from Delpan Bridge in Tondo, Manila, to the mouth of the Malabon River at Bangkulasi Bridge, C-4 Road in Navotas City, showed a lot of potential. Extending the current alignment of NLEX Harbor Link Segment 10 to Radial Road 10 was strategic. An additional exit ramp to the 5.58-km 6-lane divided elevated expressway from MacArthur Highway to C3 Road will provide a direct access between the port area and the northern provinces of Luzon. 

On September 2018, the construction of the 2.6-km, 4-lane elevated ramp began. Twenty-one months later, on June 15, 2020, the R-10 Spur Link was opened to the public, benefitting a total of 30,000 vehicles, 70% of which are truckers and cargo haulers.

Now, travel time from Quezon City to Port Area in Manila has been reduced from 2 hours to only 15 to 20 minutes. 

Within the next two years, the NLEX Harbor Link alignment will be connected to three major infrastructure projects – NLEX Harbor Link Segment 8.2, Skyway Stage 3, and NLEX SLEX Connector. 

Mindanao Ave. to Commonwealth Ave. in 10 minutes

The NLEX Harbor Link Segment 8.2 is an 8.35-km 4-lane divided expressway from Segment 8.1 which will start at Mindanao Avenue and traverse Republic Avenue, Luzon Avenue, and Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City. When completed, the project is expected to benefit 45,000 motorists per day and reduce the travel time from Mindanao Avenue to Commonwealth Avenue from 45 minutes to only 10 minutes. 

Makati to Quezon City in 20 minutes 

The main line of the Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 Project (MMSS3), an 18.30-km elevated expressway from Buendia in Makati City to the North Luzon Expressway in Balintawak, Quezon City, will also be connected to the high-standard highway network. It will have eight access ramps or interchanges, namely, Buendia Avenue (South Super Highway, Makati City), Pres. Quirino Avenue (Malate, Manila), Plaza Dilao (Paco, Manila), Nagtahan/Aurora Boulevard (Manila), E. Rodriguez Avenue (Quezon City), Quezon Avenue (Quezon City), Sgt. Rivera St. (Quezon City), and NLEX.

The project is expected to decongest EDSA and C5 by at least 55,000 vehicles daily and reduce travel time from Makati to Quezon City from 2 hours to only 15 to 20 minutes. 

SLEX to NLEX in 20 minutes

Another big-ticket infrastructure project connected to the alignment is the NLEX-SLEX Connector Project, an 8 km-four lane expressway, spanning from C3 Road in Caloocan City to PUP, Sta. Mesa, in Manila to the common alignment of Skyway Stage 3.

When completed, the high-standard highway project will reduce travel time between SLEX and NLEX from 1.5 – 2 hours to only 15 – 20 minutes. It will shorten travel time between Clark and Calamba from 3 hours to only 1 hour and 40 minutes.

Reforms in right-of-way

Since 2016, DPWH instituted key reforms in the right-of-way (ROW) processes, including the issuance of an administrative order creating Right-of-Way Task Forces for each of the projects being implemented, which effectively decentralized ROW acquisition functions. This is complimented by the Infra-Track App — a fully automated monitoring system utilizing geotagging feature, satellite technology, and drone monitoring. 

https://mb.com.ph/2020/07/06/reimagining-the-smokey-mountain-alignment/

Xiao Archives: Philippine Centennial part 4 of 4, Grand Fireworks Displ...

Megawide eyes infra growth in new normal

Engineering and infrastructure conglomerate Megawide Construction Corporation (Megawide) will anchor its growth roadmap for the next two years on infrastructure developments in the Philippines, betting highly on its precast technology to meet demand from the recovering market.

The listed construction firm sees its precast technology, which creates concrete that is prepared, cast and cured off-site, as a “benchmark” for construction around this time of a pandemic.

Megawidechairman Edgar. B Saavedraunveiled his company’s post-COVID plans, as well as roadmap for the long-term sustainability of the business, at a virtual stockholders’ meeting this week.  

Tripling precast capacity

“We will triple our precast capacity to accommodate demands from the external market,” Saavedra vowed. 

Megawide’s precast products, he explained, are a standard because of their “functionality and suitability” to social distancing protocols.

“We anticipate greater demand for precast technology to fast track infrastructure developments and address the country’s six million housing backlog, aside from the acceptability of precast in new normal protocols at construction sites,” Saavedra said.

Last year, external sales accounted for 40% of Megawide’s precast business, lifting its construction segment revenues.

Ports activity affected by pandemic

Resuming operations after the months-long lockdown, Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), the company’s joint venture airline with Indian developer GMR Group, have rolled out contactless check-in, inquiries, and purchases.

It has set up a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) testing facility to help raise Cebu’s virus testing capacity.

The land port Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX), which reopened on June 8, is accepting bookings made via its mobile app. It will soon launch an automated ticketing booth.

Drawing a bead on modified “Build, Build, Build”

Megawide is eyeing to take on some of the government’s modified “Build, Build, Build” projects, including the Malolos-Clark Railway, North-South Commuter Line, and Metro Manila Subway projects.

It likewise plans to launch a mixed-use development and its proposed second runway at MCIA, as well as to pursue the second phase of PITX development by identifying key areas where it can put up similar land ports.

https://manilastandard.net/home-design/construction/327740/megawide-eyes-infra-growth-in-new-normal.html

MPTC earmarks P120 B for new expressways, restarts construction

Leading expressway builder and operator Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC) has set aside a massive P120 billion investments to construct new expressways, delivering a clear and strong signal of support for President Duterte’s Build Build Build program.

  “We have resumed full blast construction of our big-ticket expressway projects in the country,” said Manuel V. Pangilinan, MPTC chairman, on the eve of the completion of the latest elevated section of the NLEX Harbor Link along CAMANAVA area.

Pangilinan has cited the huge impact of infrastructure building on the country’s economic recovery. He pointed out, “Restarting construction projects has a huge multiplier effect on the economy, notably in generating jobs.”

Rodrigo E. Franco, MPTC president and CEO, underscored the MPTC chairman’s view, saying: “We believe that an efficient road infrastructure will stimulate economic activities and push the business sector to create more employment opportunities.”

Franco disclosed that the Tollways Group has re-mobilized its contractors (observing IATF COVID-19 protocols), paving the way for the resumption of construction activities in project areas in Central Luzon, Metro Manila, South Luzon and the Visayas, particularly Cebu. MPTC has identified four priority construction areas this year.

In northern Metro Manila and Central Luzon, MPTC is implementing three projects this year along the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) corridor, including the NLEX Connector, with a combined length of 19 kilometers.

These NLEX projects include the recently opened Harbor Link C3 to R10/Mel Lopez Boulevard in the CAMANAVA area, plus the ongoing 8-km. elevated NLEX Connector Road that is being built over the PNR railroad line, with a project cost of P19.59 billion.

NLEX Corporation is also constructing a new 8-km. carriageway at the Subic Freeport Expressway, including a new tunnel and two bridges. With a project cost of P2.36 billion, the expanded expressway will be opened to traffic before the end of 2020.

MPTC’s ongoing construction projects south of Metro Manila are being undertaken inside the Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX), valued at P15.20 billion, with a combined length of 6.75 kilometers;  CAVITEX is implementing road widening improvements, featuring three new bridges in Paranaque, Wawa, and Las Pinas.

In addition, two major sections of the C5 South Link Expressway, along the Paranaque-Las Pinas-Taguig City corridor, will start construction this year. These are Subsection 3A-2 between Merville and Sucat (2.10 kms., costing about P2.1 billion) and the new Segment 2 expressway between the future Sucat Interchange and Paranaque toll plaza (1.82 kms., costing about P6.2 billion).

“These new CAVITEX road expansion projects,” Franco said,  “respond to the needs of the growing number of commuters beset by daily traffic gridlocks, as we provide them hassle-free alternatives at the southern part of suburban Metro Manila.”

Further south, construction projects in choice sections of the Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX) are going on. The 44-km. CALAX expressway network has a total project cost of P52.48 billion.

The first 10-km. section between SLEX Mamplasan interchange and Sta. Rosa City opened last year. The new expressway has become a popular alternative for commuters in the traffic-choked corridor that leads to Tagaytay City.

Scheduled for partial opening this year is a new 7.4-km. section (Subsection 5) between Sta. Rosa City and Silang, Cavite, costing P 2.13 billion.

Meanwhile, right-of-way acquisition (ROWA) activities are being accelerated by MPTC, together with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to accelerate construction initiatives at the remaining CALAX sections.

In the Visayas, construction is underway on the Cebu Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX), an 8.5-kilometer bridge spanning the Mactan Channel to link Cebu City and Cordova in Mactan. It features a 600-meter cable-stayed iconic bridge that stands as an “engineering marvel,” according to MPTC Chief Franco.

The CCLEX project, which is 40 percent complete already, is expected to be completed by next year.  “We expect to bring back the dramatic economic boom in Cebu province – the renowned ‘Ceeboom’ – that vastly stimulated socio-economic expansion in the Queen City of the South,” Franco concluded.

https://mb.com.ph/2020/07/03/mptc-earmarks-p120-b-for-new-expressways-restarts-construction/

MPTC invests P120b for new expressways

Expressway builder and operator Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. has set aside a P120-billion investment to construct new expressways, delivering a clear and strong signal of support for President Duterte’s aggressive infrastructure program.

“We have resumed full-blast construction of our big ticket expressway projects in the country,” said Manuel Pangilinan, MPTC chairman, “responding to the call of the President to accelerate economic recovery via the government’s ‘Build Build Build’ program.”

ENGINEERING MARVEL.  An architect’s rendering of the Cebu Cordova Expressway, an 8.5 km bridge spanning the Mactan Channel to  link Cebu and Cordova  promises to be another engineering marvel when completed as it features a 600-meter cable stayed iconic bridge, according to MPTC chief Franco.

Speaking online recently to reporters on the eve of the completion of the latest elevated section of the NLEX Harbor Link along CAMANAVA area, the MPTC chairman declared once again the firm’s continuing investment in the Group’s lengthening network of expressways in the country.

Pangilinan has cited the huge impact of infrastructure building on the country’s economic recovery. He pointed out that “restarting construction projects has a huge multiplier effect on the economy, notably in generating jobs.”

Rodrigo Franco, MPTC president and CEO, underscored the MPTC chairman’s view, saying: “We believe that an efficient road infrastructure will stimulate economic activities and push the business sector to create more employment opportunities.”

Franco pointed out that expanding the country’s expressway network enables faster and easier mobility for the people and supports the unhampered flow of goods and services.

Franco disclosed that the Tollways Group has re-mobilized its contractors (observing IATF COVID-19 protocols), paving the way for the resumption of construction activities in project areas in Central Luzon, Metro Manila, South Luzon and the Visayas, particularly Cebu.

MPTC has identified four priority construction areas this year.

In northern Metro Manila and Central Luzon, MPTC is constructing three projects this year along the North Luzon Expressway corridor, including the NLEX Connector, with a combined length of 19 kilometers.

These NLEX projects include the recently opened Harbor Link C3 to R10/Mel Lopez Boulevard in the CAMANAVA area, plus the ongoing 8-km. elevated NLEX Connector Road that is being built over the PNR railroad line, with a project cost of P19.59 billion.

NLEX Corporation is also constructing a new 8-km. carriageway at the Subic Freeport Expressway, including a new tunnel and two bridges. With a project cost of P2.36 billion, the expanded expressway will be opened to traffic before the end of 2020.

MPTC’s ongoing construction projects south of Metro Manila are being undertaken inside the Cavite Expressway, valued at P15.20 billion, with a combined length of 6.75 kilometers;

CAVITEX is implementing road widening improvements, featuring three new bridges in Paranaque, Wawa, and Las Pinas.

In addition, two major sections of the C5 South Link Expressway, along the Paranaque-Las Pinas-Taguig City corridor, will start construction this year. These are Subsection 3A-2 between Merville and Sucat (2.10 kms., costing about P2.1 billion) and the new Segment 2 expressway between the future Sucat Interchange and Paranaque toll plaza (1.82 kms., costing about P6.2 billion).

“These new CAVITEX road expansion projects,” Franco said, “respond to the needs of the growing number of commuters beset by daily traffic gridlocks, as we provide them hassle-free alternatives at the southern part of suburban Metro Manila.”

Moreover, construction projects in choice sections of the Cavite-Laguna Expressway are going on. The 44-km. CALAX expressway network has a total project cost of P52.48 billion.

The first 10-km. section between SLEX Mamplasan interchange and Sta. Rosa City opened last year. The new expressway has become a popular alternative for commuters in the traffic-choked corridor that leads to Tagaytay City.

Scheduled for partial opening this year is a new 7.4-km. section (Subsection 5) between Sta. Rosa City and Silang, Cavite, costing P 2.13 billion.

Meanwhile, right-of-way acquisition activities are being accelerated by MPTC, together with the Department of Public Works and Highways to accelerate construction initiatives at the remaining CALAX sections.

In the Visayas, construction is underway on the Cebu Cordova Link Expressway, an 8.5-kilometer bridge spanning the Mactan Channel to link Cebu City and Cordova in Mactan. It features a 600-meter cable-stayed iconic bridge that stands as an “engineering marvel,” according to MPTC Chief Franco.

At this writing, the CCLEX project is 40% complete. “Upon its completion in 2021, we expect to bring back the dramatic economic boom in Cebu province – the renowned “Ceeboom” – that vastly stimulated socio-economic expansion in the Queen City of the South,” Franco said.

https://manilastandard.net/news/national/327709/mptc-invests-p120b-for-new-expressways.html

Unified Grand Terminal-MRT 7 Update

Initial works begin in Bulacan airport

San Miguel Corporation has kicked off initial works for its P734-billion airport project in Bulacan, the largest airport deal under the Duterte administration.

The geotechnical investigation and engineering surveys of the project, dubbed as the New Manila International Airport, is now 80 percent accomplished, Transportation Assistant Secretary for Procurement and Project Implementation Giovanni Lopez told the Daily Tribune via email.

SMC is now waiting for the laboratory results and interpretations from Singapore-based firms tapped for the works.

The site survey and relocation will help proponents finalize the earthwork and foundation design for the project and execute necessary repairs.

The execution of these studies started around the second week of May, said Lopez, through the assistance of the DoTr Project Management Office which provided security passes to various project contractors and consultants to ensure health and safety protocols will be strictly observed.

Transportation chief Arthur Tugade, in a recent Malacañang briefing, said the project is not likely to face a “critical delay” even as the progress was “slow.”

SMC did not proceed with the groundbreaking in December 2019 and January 2020 due to “private issues” of president and chief operating officer Ramon S. Ang and the blanket impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Although the DoTr and SMC have yet to announce a new schedule for the groundbreaking of the project, both assured the project will push through despite lengthy delays.

SMC received the notice to proceed for its unsolicited proposal in September last year.

The airport will be built in a 2,400-hectare property in Bulakan, Bulacan. It will have four runways, eight taxiways, and three passenger terminals and provisions for future expansion to six runways and accommodate 200 million passengers per year.

The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank previously tagged the project as among the “five airport megaprojects” around the world.

https://tribune.net.ph/index.php/2020/06/22/initial-works-begin-at-bulacan-airport/

PROPOSED IN-CITY AND NEAR-CITY RESETTLEMENT FOR AFFECTED FAMILIES OF NLE...

NLEX Harbor Link’s C3-R10 section to open next week

Travel time from Manila to Quezon City will be reduced to 15-20 minutes once the NLEX Harbor Link Segment 10’s C3-R10 Section opens to vehicular traffic next week.

Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar said that motorists including those who are driving oversized vehicles such as truckers and cargo haulers are expected to benefit from the opening of the C3-R10 section, which will provide direct access between R10 in Navotas City and NLEX.

“As promised, by June 15, NLEX Harbor Link will be completed. Travel time from Manila to Quezon City will be reduced to only 15 to 20 minutes,” Villar said.

The 2.6-kilometer section extends the existing 5.65-kilometer NLEX Harbor Link Segment 10 that passes through Karuhatan, Valenzuela City, Governor Pascual Avenue in Malabon City, and 5th Avenue/C3 Road, Caloocan City bypassing EDSA and Balintawak Toll Plaza. 

The C3-R10 section of the NLEX Harbor Link also includes three exit off-ramps: Segment 10-C3 Ramp to Caloocan City, Dagat-Dagatan Ramp to Malabon City, and C3-R10 Ramp to Navotas City.

During the final inspection on Wednesday, Villar also commended the 2,000 construction workers who resumed work last month in order to meet the deadline of the project.

Included under the administration’s Build, Build, Build infrastructure program, the NLEX Harbor Link Project was undertaken by Manila North Tollways Corporation with its subsidiary NLEX Corporation as the builder-concessionaire and operator. 

https://wheels.ph/nlex-harbor-links-c3-r10-section-to-open-next-week/