By Vittorio Hernandez

Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines

The Philippine Department of Public Works and Highways announced on Monday plans to build elevated expressways on Epifanio de los Santos Avenue. More popularly called EDSA, the road is known for being the site of the Philippine People Power revolution that inspired other non-violent people-led uprisings against dictatorial regimes in other countries.

While the 22-kilometer (13.7-mile) highway that links five cities in the national capital region was the venue in freeing the country from a despot, traffic authorities have not been able to free Metro Manila residents from the gridlock that characterizes the road.

To alleviate the suffering of commuters and motorists, Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson said the DPWH is planning an elevated express or a tunnel. The new link will be called new EDSA.

Singson told a Senate finance committee hearing that he prefers an elevated roadway because of the higher maintenance cost of a tunnel. The entire project is expected to cost $1.16 billion (PHP 50 billion).

Once completed, the new highway would run parallel to the metro rail transit. It would have six lanes, three on both sides, and three exits in Makati, Greenhills and Quezon City.

However, it would cost travelers who use the expressway more since tollways would be put in place to recover the expenses involved in building the new road.

 

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World - Public Works Agency Mulls Elevated Expressway on Historic Philippine Highway | Global Viewpoint