LRMC, First Balfour sign P980-M LRT-1 structural rehab deal

The Light Right Manila Corp. (LRMC) has signed an agreement with Lopez-led engineering and construction firm First Balfour on the P980-million Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) Structural Restoration Project.

The project involves the restoration and repair of parapets, faulty concrete and river bridges of the more than three decades-old railway system, LRMC said on Wednesday.

The project is the largest single contract awarded covering the existing line and is a major component in enhancing passenger safety, it said.

The notice to proceed with the two-year project was released last March.

“This project is a priority for us, given that it concerns the safety of our passengers,” LRMC President and CEO Rogelio Singson said.

“While we have been working towards powering up more trains, replacing the tracks, and improving the environment of the stations, the structural integrity of all LRT-1 stations is our prime concern and responsibility," he added.

The parapets, or the low protective wall along the edge of the LRT-1 railway, were constructed 36 years ago and have shown wear and tear over the past decade, according to LRMC.

First Balfour previously worked on LRT-1 projects. In 2005, First Balfour did the power supply and electrical works for capacity expansion project. It also completed the design-and-build contract of the LRT-1 North Extension project through a joint venture with DMCI.

LRMC is a joint venture of Metro Pacific Investments Corp.’s Metro Pacific Light Rail Corp., Ayala Corp.’s AC Infrastructure Holdings Corp. and Philippine Investment Alliance for Infrastructure’s Macquarie Infrastructure Holdings (Philippines) PTE Ltd. — Ted Cordero/VDS, GMA News