2-month España Boulevard improvement work starts Thursday

As it readies to implement a two-month "improvement" work on a part of España Boulevard in Manila, the Department of Public Works and Highways on Wednesday sought understanding from those who could be affected by the project.

The DPWH said the "round-the-clock" drainage and road works along España will start on Thursday, May 15, radio dzBB reported Wednesday.

It added the improvement work on the busy road, which costs about P14.3 million, may last as long as two months.

For its part, the DPWH said on its website the improvement work will cover the part of España Boulevard between P. Campa Street and N. Reyes Street (Lerma).

The DPWH said it expects to complete construction on July 13, 30 days earlier than the 90-day contract duration - so as to minimize the impact on the opening of classes.

“We want to finish this project within 60 days period, in time for the opening of college classes that moved their academic year opening to August,” said DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson.

Drainage, road improvement

The project includes the improvement of the drainage at the corner of España Blvd. and P. Campa St. and the grade raising of the 102-lineal meter concrete pavement.

It also includes work on 3,310 square meters of pavement from Lerma to P. Campa Street.

The DPWH will also undertake the widening of road lane going to Quiapo between Paquita and R. Papa Streets.

Alternate traffic routes

To minimize traffic congestion, the North Manila District Engineering Office required contractor Steven Construction and Supply to deploy traffic aides equipped with two-way radios to assist those from the Manila city government and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority.

Meanwhile, the DPWH said motorists and commuters may take the following alternate routes:

Northbound vehicles

- from Quezon Boulevard take A. Mendoza, Laon Laan, Dimasalang or A. Mendoza, J. Barlin, P. Noval, España Boulevard or C.M. Recto Avenue, Legarda, Earnshaw, SH Loyola
- from Taft Avenue take Ayala, P. Casal, Legarda, Earnshaw, SH Loyola.

Southbound vehicles
- from Quezon Avenue take Kanlaon, P. Florentino/P. Margal/Dapitan, A. Mendoza, Quezon Boulevard (Quiapo)
- from Rodriguez Avenue take Josefina, J. Fajardo, Earnshaw, Legarda, C.M. Recto Avenue
- from España Boulevard take A. H. Lacson, Earnshaw, Legarda, C.M. Recto Avenue or take Adelina, A. Mendoza, Quezon Boulevard (Quiapo).

Meanwhile, a no-parking policy will be implemented at: