Traffic dry run for LRT 2 extension aborted

The dry run for the proposed traffic management plan for the Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2) Masinag Extension project was aborted Saturday evening due to traffic buildup in the area, according to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

But Neomie Recio, MMDA traffic engineering center head, was quick to point out that the protest staged by members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo on Epifanio De Los Santos Avenue (EDSA) in Mandaluyong since last Friday did not have anything to do with the move.

“The road closures on Ortigas and Shaw Boulevard did not affect the dry run,” said Recio.

She said construction work near Green Park in Cainta due to the concreting of a road unexpectedly worsened traffic in the area.

The MMDA also opted to close the intersection of Marcos Highway-Imelda and Felix Avenues which were earlier opened for the dry run.

Recio said the workers will be allowed to continue with the dry run following an assessment.

The LRT-2 Masinag Extension project covers the construction of a 3.9-kilometer fully elevated viaduct along Marcos Highway and two (2) additional stations — one to be situated in front of the Robinsons Metro East and Sta. Lucia East Grand Malls, and a second one at the Masinag Junction in Antipolo City.

The project will be operational in the third quarter of 2017 and is projected to cater to an additional 75,000 daily passengers, easing traffic in the area.

Under the plan, sections of the outermost lanes of each side of Marcos Highway will be used for loading and unloading bays for public utility vehicles (PUVs).

The remaining three lanes will be used for regular traffic, with the innermost open lane for U-turning vehicles, and the next lane for fast vehicles.