LRT-1 Cavite Extension Phase 1 viaduct now complete

LRT-1 private operator Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) has announced that the LRT-1 Cavite Extension Phase 1 viaduct is now complete.

The LRMC, together with Bouygues Travaux Publics, an Engineering Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractor, started the civil works in September 2019 and installed pi-girders (chief horizontal support in a structure) covering the entire stretch of Dr. A. Santos Station until Redemptorist Station in Paranaque City. Now that the viaduct has been completed, electromechanical works (the laying of the rails and the installation of the electrical system) and the construction of the stations are set to begin.

Phase 1 of the 11.7km LRT-1 Cavite Extension project covers a total of five (5) stations: Dr. A Santos, Ninoy Aquino, Asiaworld, MIA, and Redemptorist. The percentage completion rate for Phase 1 has already reached 67.5% as of the end of December 2021.

Civil works for the viaduct made use of a special engineering method, a first for the Philippines, which has allowed for faster execution causing minimal effect on the ground-level traffic. In September 2020, the first pi-girder was installed using the above-ground launcher. Since then, pi-girders continued to be installed every 1-2 days. A total of 203 pi-girders were installed using the above-ground launcher and on-ground equipment such as straddle carriers and cranes.

Once completed, the LRT-1 Cavite Extension project is expected to benefit the residents in Southern Metro Manila, the province of Cavite, and nearby areas. Future stations are also integrated and better connected with public transport terminals. Projected completion for Phase 1 is by late 2024 or early 2025.

“LRMC is glad to welcome 2022 with this LRT-1 Cavite Extension accomplishment. I am proud of the commitment and sacrifice of all our teams, who displayed resilience amidst unsettling conditions and the determination to deliver with excellence. With the support from our various partners in the public and private sectors, this project was able to achieve significant progress despite the limitations of the pandemic. Through our work in upgrading and extending the LRT-1 system, we hope to make a difference and improve the lives of future generations,” said LRMC President and CEO Juan F. Alfonso.

Bouygues Travaux Publics is a global player in construction operating in more than 80 countries from 5 continents, and an expert in large-scale projects involving tunnels, engineering structures, as well as road, port and rail infrastructures.