P25-M domed transport terminal to rise on EDSA

The area near the Quezon Avenue-EDSA intersection in Quezon City will soon be home to a P25-million dome-type transport terminal connected to a footbridge with loading and unloading bays.

Construction of this landmark is expected to begin this July after Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Bayani Fernando signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with a private developer yesterday.

Fernando said he is eyeing completion of the project early next year, which will give Quezon Avenue a new face under the North Road-Rail Station Phase 2 (NRRS2) project.

The MMDA will be making use of a 7,000-square meter lot located right at the Quezon Avenue-EDSA intersection near the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Quezon Avenue terminal.

Fernando said the project forms part of the agency’s goal of establishing a Greater Manila Mass Transport System (GMMTS) under Executive Order 179.

According to the MMDA chief, the construction of the dome-type terminal enjoys the approval of the Metro Manila Council (MMC), the policy-making body of the MMDA.

Fernando said the transport terminal will be built by New San Jose Builders Inc., which will also be clearing the area of obstructions.

He admitted that the project will mean having have to relocate several squatter families occupying the land to be used.

Electric posts, trees, waiting sheds, and other obstructions will also be removed, relocated or replaced to give way to the project.

"I trust that in living the concept of working as a team, my colleagues in the MMC will always see the MMDA as a partner in the grand search for the best formula by which we can manage traffic in the metropolis," he said.