Balaba hopeful yet wary on elevated walkway proposal

COUNCILOR Girlie Balaba welcomed the proposed establishment of elevated and roofed pedestrian walkways along CM Recto Avenue (from NMMC to Puregold), but cautioned that its construction may face challenges, particularly with existing spaghetti wires and heavy traffic in the area.

“The proposed elevated walkway looks good but that might not be the reality,” Balaba said during Wednesday’s meeting of the City Council committee on laws and rules chaired by Councilor Edgar S. Cabanlas.

She noted that cables might obstruct the construction of the elevated walkways unless closely coordinated with electrical and telecommunication companies.

Engr. Kevin Calma, representative of the Department of Public Works and Highways Region X, acknowledged Balaba’s concern as a valid construction challenge. However, he assured the committee that the proposed 5.3-meter vertical clearance meets requirements and is higher than existing power lines.

Balaba also lamented that commuters will be affected by traffic congestion once construction begins, citing that the area is already prone to bottleneck traffic which could further worsen once the construction begins.

Roads and Traffic Administration Officer-in-Charge Engr. Nonito Oclarit recommended the installation of fences and barriers at ground level to compel pedestrians to use the elevated walkways.

He said this would help regulate pedestrian movement and improve flow of vehicles.

DPWH supported Oclarit’s recommendation, saying it aligns with the city government’s vision for safer and more orderly roadways, and committed to incorporating it into the project design. (FDC/SP)