Ortigas Interchange

The Ortigas Interchange, also known as the EDSA–Ortigas Interchange or the Ortigas Flyover, is a three-level partial stack interchange at the boundary between Mandaluyong and Quezon City in Metro Manila, the Philippines which serves as the junction between Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) and Ortigas Avenue. Originally a regular four-way intersection, the current interchange was built in 1991 as the flagship infrastructure project of President Corazon Aquino.[1]

Not to be confused with Circumferential Road 5–Ortigas Avenue Interchange.
Ortigas Interchange
EDSA–Ortigas Interchange
Ortigas Flyover
View of the Ortigas Interchange from the BSA Twin Towers in Ortigas Center, with The Araneta Center at the Background
Location
Mandaluyong and Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Coordinates14°35′35.36″N 121°3′30.44″E
Roads at
junction
Construction
TypeThree-level partial stack interchange
OpenedDecember 23, 1991 (1991-12-23)
Maintained byDepartment of Public Works and Highways

History

The primary impetus for the construction of the Ortigas Interchange was the need to improve travel times along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA), with the road already suffering from severe traffic congestion. On January 11, 1991, President Corazon Aquino approved the construction of the interchange along with two other major road projects. However, the urgent need to resolve traffic problems on EDSA allowed for the project to expedited.[2]

Construction of the ₱400 million interchange began on April 1, 1991,[3] with work being contracted to F. F. Cruz and Co., one of the Philippines' largest construction companies, under the supervision of the Department of Public Works and Highways.[4] The interchange's northbound lanes were opened to traffic on December 23, 1991.[3]

Between 1993 and 1998, maintenance of the Ortigas Interchange was handled by the Manila Jaycees, under an agreement that the group signed with the Metropolitan Manila Authority.[5]

During the 2001 EDSA Revolution, crowds gathered around the Ortigas Interchange and the EDSA Shrine, demanding the resignation of President Joseph Estrada.

Criticism

Though intended to alleviate traffic congestion on the Ortigas portion of EDSA, the Ortigas Interchange has been criticized for actually making traffic congestion worse. The interchange's at-grade service roads have been criticized for being too narrow, with pavement quality on the southbound service road being so bad that buses, which use the service road, go very slowly, slowing traffic down further.[6]

See also

References
  1. Aquino, Corazon C.; et al. (1992). The Aquino administration: record and legacy (1986-1992). Quezon City: University of the Philippines Press. p. 257. ISBN 9715420095.
  2. Agatep, Primo (January 11, 1991). "Cory approves construction of 3 interchanges". Manila Standard. Kamahalan Publishing Corporation. Retrieved January 20, 2014.
  3. Villanueva, Marichu A. (December 22, 1991). "North-bound EDSA fly-over opens to traffic tomorrow". Manila Standard. Kamahalan Publishing Corporation. Retrieved January 20, 2014.
  4. Camus, Miguel R. (May 20, 2013). "Felipe F. Cruz, PH's construction pioneer, dies at 93". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Philippine Daily Inquirer, Inc. Retrieved January 20, 2014.
  5. Marasigan, Feruan (March 19, 1993). "Civic group agrees to maintain major flyover". Manila Standard. Kamahalan Publishing Corporation. Retrieved January 20, 2014.
  6. Santos, Botchi (July 2, 2013). "A dedicated traffic czar may be the answer to the Edsa puzzle". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Philippine Daily Inquirer, Inc. Retrieved January 20, 2014.
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