Operations of LRT Cavite line expected by 2024

Light Rail Manila Corp. said Thursday said it expects the LRT Line 1 Cavite Extension project to start operations by the middle of 2024.

"We are looking for Phase 1 to be in operation by mid or late 2024," said LRMC head for corporate communications Jacqueline Gorospe.

LRMC said Phase 1 of the 11.7-kilometer LRT-1 Cavite Extension project was 60-percent complete, with girder now covering the entire stretch of Dr. Santos Station to Pacific Ave. near Asiaworld Station.

It said that since the start of civil works in September 2019, construction was in full swing despite the limitations brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

LRMC, along with Bouygues Travaux Publics as the engineering, procurement and construction contractor, uses a special engineering method that allows faster execution and minimal effect on the ground-level traffic.

Recent construction activities included the launching of pi-girders through above-ground launcher along CAVITEX near Paranaque Bridge.

The installation of pi-girders will continue along Pacific Ave. which will require closure of both northbound and southbound carriageways from Aug. 16 to 19 at 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.

“The viaduct of LRT-1 extension is targeted to be completed by the end of December 2021, while the electro-mechanical works are set to begin in January 2022,” LRMC said.

Phase 1 covers 7 kilometers of the 11-km. LRT-1 Cavite Extension, including the Redemptorist Station, MIA Station, Asiaworld Station, Ninoy Aquino Station and Dr. Santos Station.

The remaining stations between Las Piñas and Niog are scheduled to become fully-operational by 2022.

LRMC won the bidding for the 11.7-km. Cavite extension project and took over the operation of LRT Line 1 on Sept. 12, 2015. LRT Line 1 runs from Baclaran in Pasay City to Munoz in Quezon City.