Public transportation is not only exclusive to buses, trains and passenger utility jeepneys. It also includes those who ply our roads by walking and bicycling. That’s why San Miguel Corporation (SMC) is working closely with the local government of Quezon City to address this situation, particularly with the construction of its MRT-7’s elevated turnback guideway.
SMC is ensuring that the facility’s construction will be efficient and on-schedule, aligning it across its train services project.
Simultaneously, the one-kilometer portion of West Avenue, between Examiner Street and EDSA—where the elevated turnback guideway will be built—is to be redesigned for wider pedestrian walkways and bicycle lanes, at no additional cost to the local government.
Once completed, the existing two-meter-wide sidewalk will be widened up to 3.10 meters, with a portion of it designed as a bike lane. Meanwhile, the existing perpendicular parking along the road will be converted into parallel parking.
Likewise, the project will cover the relocation of utilities, such as: Electrical lamp posts, communication lines, drainage, water and sanitary ducts.
SMC president and CEO Ramon S. Ang said that it will help advance Mayor Joy Belmonte’s push for more and better active transport infrastructure in the city.
“The new configuration of the road will feature wider pedestrian walkways, and bike lanes that will benefit more people,” he said.
“We are grateful to the Quezon City government for the opportunity to contribute to the development of the city, especially in terms of transport infrastructure.”
The turnback guideway’s construction broke ground recently. In attendance were officials from the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the city government, together with representatives from SMC, Agafer Construction and Trading, and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority.
