DPWH: Quezon Avenue underpass construction may be finished before Sept deadline

Motorists and commuters suffering from the traffic gridlock along Quezon Avenue may soon find relief as public works officials said they expect to complete the project ahead of deadline.

 

The Department of Public Works and Highways said the construction of the depressed underpass along Quezon Avenue crossing C-3 Road (G. Araneta Avenue) may be completed ahead of its September target date.

 

DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson cited a report by DPWH Urban Road Projects Office Project Management Office Director Mariano Alquiza, saying the construction is 70.35 percent completed at this time.

 

"In fact, activities at at-grade section along G. Araneta Avenue are already completed and both directions are now open to traffic in time for the opening of classes on June 4," a DPWH news release quoted Singson as saying.

 

For now, ongoing activities of the contractor Ciriaco Corporation include:

 

- roadway excavation, pouring of Portland Cement Concrete Pavement (PCCP) and curb, gutter and island including sidewalk at depressed section and at-grade sections (both at Sto. Domingo and Toyota sides)

 

- laying of bituminous asphalt overlay at C-3/Quezon Avenue approaches (Sta. Mesa Bound), at-grade section along Domingo (both direction) and partially completed portion along Sct. Chuatoco St. (EDSA bound)

 

- widening and improvement of Mariblo Bridge

 

- installation of Reinforced Concrete Box Culvert (RCBC).

 

Alquiza said early completion of this P430-million project will speed up traffic flow and reduce pollution in the area by lessening gas emissions during traffic gridlock.

 

"When completed, the project is also expected to help decongest traffic along EDSA and major thoroughfares nearby," the DPWH said.

 

Traffic management

 

Meanwhile, the DPWH and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority intensified the implementation of their traffic management plan by deploying traffic enforcers in three shifts.

 

The enforcers are concentrated at the intersection of Quezon Avenue and Araneta Avenue and other nearby intersections. — ELR, GMA News