CONSTRUCTION of the three remaining stations of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) line 1 Cavite extension project is targeted to start in 2026, while partial opening of Phase 1 is on track this year.
The right-of-way for the LRT-1 Phase 2 and 3 is almost at 80 percent, for the last three stations, namely, Las Piñas, Zapote and Niog in Cavite.
“LRMC (Light Rail Manila Corp.) is finding it difficult to start the second and third segments of the Cavite extension project due to right-of-way issues,” said Jeremy Regino, Department of Transportation undersecretary for rail.
Regino said the main concern is the relocation of the utilities’ big posts which might take time, but the target is to complete the relocation by next year, then the construction in 2026.
He said the utility company is very cooperative and very proactive in helping relocate the posts.
Last Friday, LRMC, the operator of LRT-1, announced the scheduled three-weekend suspension of LRT-1’s operations as part of preparations for the target opening of the LRT-1 Cavite extension Phase 1 in the fourth quarter of the year.
The temporary suspension will be implemented on the following weekends: August 17-18 and 24-25 and August 31-September 1. During these periods, no commercial train service will be available from Fernando Poe Jr. Station to Baclaran Station.
The three-weekend closure aims to integrate the existing system of LRT-1 with the Cavite extension in terms of signaling system, perform systems operation demonstration tests, and conduct the necessary operational exercises to ensure the safety and reliability of the extended system, LRMC said.
“This system migration is a critical step in ensuring the safe and efficient operations of the extended LRT-1 line. We understand the inconvenience this may cause to our passengers; however, we would like to assure you that the temporary closures will result in long-term convenience once the extended LRT-1 line becomes operational. We are working diligently to complete this project as safely, efficiently, and quickly as possible,” said Enrico Benipayo, LRMC general manager.
The new signaling baseline will integrate the operations of the five new stations under Phase 1 from Redemptorist-Aseana Station to Dr. Santos (formerly Sucat) Station with the existing system from Fernando Poe Jr. Station to Baclaran Station.
Construction of the LRT-1 Cavite extension Phase 1 is progressing as scheduled, with almost 99 percent completion rate as of the end of May 2024, LRMC said.
