MRT-LRT loop construction snarls traffic in Balintawak

MANILA, Philippines – The construction of the Metro Rail Transit - Light Rail Transit (MRT-LRT) loop snarled traffic along the Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) in Balintawak area Monday morning, a GMA Flash Report said. The report added commuters have started accumulating in loading stations after waiting for passenger buses from Monumento in Caloocan City for two hours. Motorists and commuters also complained that vehicles plying the route of EDSA-Balintawak have not been rerouted to alternative thoroughfares despite the construction. The construction of the MRT extension from North Avenue in Quezon City to Monumento started in October. The MRT-LRT loop project would cover at least five stations and span 5.71 kilometers. It is expected to be completed and operational by May 2010. The project aims to put up new stations in Balintawak, Roosevelt/Muñoz while the North Avenue Station of the MRT and the Monumento Grand Central station of the LRT 1 would be improved. - Sophia Dedace, GMANews.TV