The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority has begun enforcing nighttime counterflow traffic scheme on the portion of EDSA-North Avenue southbound to give way for the construction of the Unified Grand Central Station in the area.
In its advisory, the MMDA said that the Department of Transportation will put girder and steel columns for the structure from 11 pm to 5 am beginning Friday, July 9.
“To give way to this activity, a counter-flow scheme will be implemented at EDSA-North Avenue southbound during nighttime for a period of 76 days. Three lanes will be affected,” the MMDA stated.
U-turn slot near West Avenue will be used as by-pass for southbound zipper lane while U-turn slot near MRT North Avenue Station will be utilized as by-pass going back to southbound.
Traffic signage are installed in the area to guide the motorists.
The Unified Grand Central Station is part of the Build, Build, Build infrastructure project initiated by President Rodrigo Duterte.
The structure, situated at the north end of EDSA, also marks the intersection of the four railway lines—the LRT-1, MRT-7, and the Metro Manila Subway. It aims to provide a seamless transfer of passengers from one rail line to another.
The construction is expected to be finished before the end of the year.
The traffic adjustment for the transport hub’s ongoing construction is in coordination with the MMDA and local government of Quezon City.
Once completed, the travel time to Bulacan via Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City and from Valenzuela to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport is expected to be faster and more convenient for commuters.
The structure also features a transit area for the riding public, operated by an automated fare collection system, which will give commuters better point-to-point mobility and comfort. Upon completion, it is expected to serve approximately 500,000 passengers daily.
The Common Station is a 13,700-square meter concourse comprised of three areas: Area A under the DOTr, Area B under Ayala Land Inc., and Area C under the MRT-7 Project facilitated by San Miguel Corporation (SMC).
Since the groundbreaking in 2017, Ayala Land Inc. has started the construction of Area B. While construction works at the Area A has started after its contract signing in February 2019.