Quezon City to open ‘pedestrian corridor’

QUEZON CITY, Philippines — The Quezon City government will soon open a 5.39-kilometer “pedestrian corridor” that seeks to improve the walking experience and allow better access to major roads and transportation hubs in the city.

Mayor Joy Belmonte yesterday said they expect the full completion of the Green Open Reclaimed Access (GORA) Lane project next month.

The project aims to provide residents, commuters and visitors with safe walking pathways to access major roads such as Aurora Boulevard, Quezon Avenue and EDSA.

The GORA Lane will also connect major transport hubs such as the Light Rail Transit Line 2’s Gilmore Station and the Metro Rail Transit Line 3’s GMA Kamuning and Quezon Avenue stations.

Passing through Doña Hemady Avenue, Scout Tobias Street and Mother Ignacia Avenue, the GORA Lane will also enhance economic activity by connecting commercial areas such as Gilmore, Robinsons Magnolia, Tomas Morato and Timog, Belmonte said.

“The project will greatly benefit the general public especially now that we have limited transportation and limited mobility due to the pandemic,” she added.

“Part of our 14-point agenda is to promote sustainable development, interconnectivity and reduce air pollution. We stand firm on our commitment to make our place a walkable and bikeable city,” she added.

Initiated in 2018, the GORA Lane project was among those approved by the Department of Budget and Management under its “Green, Green, Green” program.

It includes the creation of wider sidewalks and pocket parks with better lighting, wayfinding signages, planting strips and public art installations to make the streets more walkable for the public.