Flyover opening promises better traffic flow

If the newly inaugurated Metro Rail Transit (MRT-3) system isn't helping ease traffic yet, maybe this new flyover will.

President Estrada promised commuters yesterday of some relief from the daily gridlock along EDSA with the opening of the 1.5-kilometer Kalayaan flyover.

The flyover cuts through Makati City en route to the Fort Bonifacio Global City.

The President drove through the new flyover yesterday, signaling its opening to vehicular traffic. The flyover is part of the government's overall traffic improvement program in Metro Manila.

In his remarks after the ceremonial drive-through, President Estrada expressed confidence EDSA will be further unclogged after the MRT-3 links up with the Light Rail Transit (LRT-1) along Taft Avenue in Pasay City.

"Please bear with us for a little while longer while this project is ongoing. There is a saying, no pain, no gain.

"The Kalayaan flyover means shorter travel time and promises greater productivity. It also lessens the chances of motorists becoming short-tempered because of unbearable traffic jams," the President pointed out.

The Kalayaan Flyover project provides a grade-separated highway link between C-5, Bonifacio Global City and Makati's Central Business District.

For the ceremonial drive-through, the President drove a military jeep and had as passengers Public Works and Highways Secretary Gregorio Vigilar, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Jejomar Binay and Manuel Pangilinan, chairman of the Fort Bonifacio Development Corp.