MANILA - The supposed opening on Thursday of a footbridge across EDSA in Quezon City will not push through following safety concerns from pedestrians, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority said.
The 10-meter high footbridge goes over the MRT rails, near GMA-Kamuning station. Photos of the structure went viral recently, with some netizens commenting that it could be inaccessible to pregnant women, the elderly and persons with disabilities.
The P10-million bridge's opening was delayed to give way to a redesign that will add railings and landings, said MMDA spokesperson Celine Pialogo.
The MMDA eyes completing the structure's new design before the year ends, she said.
Authorities saw the need for a footbridge there after some pedestrians were run over by vehicles as they crossed EDSA or fell prey to thieves in the dimly lit area, the MMDA earlier said.
The bridge's height satisfies the MRT management's demand for a 5-meter clearance from its power lines, Pialogo told ABS-CBN News last week.
The cost for the P10-million bridge would have ballooned if it were a tunnel-type structure, she said.
With a report from Raya Capulong, ABS-CBN News