The Department of Transportation (DOTr) aims to complete the P89.1-million Kamuning Footbridge and EDSA Busway Station rehabilitation in Quezon City by December after awarding a design-and-build contract.

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon said Thursday the project includes station rehabilitation, a new footbridge with elevators and manlifts, engineers’ facilities, traffic management, and occupational safety measures.

Of the total budget, P53.96 million is allotted for the footbridge, P33.26 million for station rehabilitation, P1 million for engineers’ facilities, P488,049 for safety measures, and P420,388 for the traffic plan.

“When the President saw this, he was really dismayed. He said pedestrians and commuters should not be made to suffer, so he immediately ordered the removal of the Mt. Kamuning footbridge,” Dizon said Thursday.

“The President said our commuters cannot wait any longer. They have been enduring hardships for a long time, so we will speed up its construction,” he added, noting that the pre-fabricated structure will avoid disruptions for commuters and motorists.

The project will replace the steep Mt. Kamuning footbridge, which has raised accessibility and safety concerns, especially for elderly pedestrians, persons with disabilities, and those carrying heavy loads.

Located along EDSA between NIA South and Scout Borromeo Street, the upgraded station and footbridge will have two elevators, two manlifts, mobility and accessibility features, vertical louvers for shade, tactile paving for the visually impaired, and improved waiting sheds, railings, and wayfinding signage.