DPWH backtracks on Roxas Boulevard tunnel

MANILA, Philippines - Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. said yesterday they are shelving their plans to construct an underground tunnel along Roxas Boulevard.

“It is not viable. Our studies show that it is very expensive, and there are much better alternatives to address the congestion problems. Besides, the technical requirements are too vast for the current operational capacity of the department,” Ebdane said.

In a statement sent out to reporters late yesterday afternoon, Ebdane admitted that the project is not feasible as of the moment. “Let us reserve our dreams for the future, and concentrate on what is doable,” he said.

Two weeks ago, the DPWH announced that it is set to propose before the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) the construction of the 28-kilometer tunnel to reduce travel time from Las Piñas to Manila Hotel to only 10 to 15 minutes. It currently takes about an hour for motorists to cover this distance.

It was earlier reported that the first phase of the project would cost P9.9 billion to have an eight-kilometer tunnel along Roxas Boulevard from Manila International Airport (MIA) Road to P. Burgos street. The second phase would have a 20-kilometer tunnel from P. Burgos to North Luzon Expressway through Navotas, Malabon and Valenzuela.

But the DPWH secretary then ordered all field units to stop talking about the underground tunnel project along Roxas Boulevard and focus instead on completing ongoing projects. – Evelyn Macairan