San Miguel hopes transport dept. will resolve suspension of MRT-7 station in QC Memorial Circle

February 19, 2020

San Miguel Corp. said it is optimistic the transportation department will resolve a suspension by the Quezon City government on the construction of the Quezon Memorial Circle station of the MRT-7 project.

On Tuesday evening, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte ordered the construction of the QMC station suspended, saying it would “affect the landmark’s identity as a national heritage park”.

She called for a solution to protect open spaces and advance the welfare of commuters.

Transportation Undersecretary for Rails Timothy John Bathan said San Miguel will present a revised design to the Quezon City government on Feb.28, dzMM said. 

“For us, while the order is a setback, we will do everything we can to make sure we keep to the timetable, and at the same time take into account the Mayor’s concerns. This includes revisions to the design,” said SMC president Ramon  Ang.

Ang said most of the work at the Quezon Circle is underground.

The Quezon City local government had expressed concerns about the original design, which was approved by the previous QC administration.

The MRT-7 project had been delayed since the concession agreement was signed in 2008. SMC took over in 2016 and a groundbreaking ceremony was held at the Quezon Memorial Circle.

The MRT-7 line  is composed of 14 stations and aims to cut travel time from North Avenue to San Jose del Monte, Bulacan down to 35 minutes. It is seen to ease traffic in Quezon City and is expected to serve 850,000 commuters once operational. DMS