Gov't now inviting bidders for 'LRT-MRT Loop' project

The Light Rail Transit Authority on Wednesday said it is now inviting bidders for the construction of LRT North Extension project that will cost about P5.98 billion. The project, dubbed the "LRT-MRT Loop," involves the detailed design of a 5.71-kilometer elevated line connecting the Monumento station of LRT Line 1 to the North Avenue station of Metro Rail Transit 3. This will include the construction of two new intermediate stations (Balintawak and Roosevelt) and a terminal station (Line 1 North avenue station). Of the estimated cost, P3.3 billion will go to civil and architectural works, P1.9 billion to electromechanical works, P317.4 million to consultancy services and P318 million to contingency costs. The project will be implemented for a period of two years, with construction to begin in 2008 and be completed in April 2010. “With the way things are going right now, we are optimistic that construction of the project can finally start by May 2008 so that by May 2010, revenue operations can already be commenced," LRTA administrator Melquiades Robles said in a statement. Robles said of the total P5.98 billion, some P4.7 billion will be sourced out from the debt-paper sale of state-owned National Development Co. and the remaining P1.67 billion will be obtained through the General Appropriations Act enacted by Congress. In November 28, 2006, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo directed DOTC Secretary Leandro Mendoza and LRTA Administrator Robles to proceed with the construction of the “LRT-MRT Loop" after thorough evaluation of several construction options. - GMANews.TV