In a move to ease the daily struggle of thousands of Metro Manila commuters, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced on Tuesday its plan to construct a permanent covered walkway connecting SM North EDSA and TriNoma.
The project aims to provide a weather-proof link between the two retail giants, shielding pedestrians from the scorching heat and the heavy flooding that frequently plagues the current ground-level route during the rainy season.
We have seen the dire situation on the ground, and the difficulty commuters face is unacceptable, Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said in a statement.
When it rains, that path becomes flooded, making it a grueling experience for everyone. We are putting a roof over that walkway to end this burden.
Beyond mere convenience, the new walkway is designed as a critical component of the city’s evolving transit infrastructure. Lopez confirmed that the sheltered path would eventually integrate with the Unified Grand Central Station (Common Station), currently under construction nearby.
Once completed, the walkway will provide seamless, covered access for passengers transferring to the LRT-1. It will also offer direct links for those using the MRT-3 and the upcoming MRT-7.
In addition, the path is expected to facilitate easier transfers to the future Metro Manila Subway.
The DOTr is currently coordinating with the managements of both SM and TriNoma to fast-track construction.
The project comes at a pivotal time, as both the Common Station and the first segment of the MRT-7 are slated to begin operations in 2027.
By linking the two commercial hubs directly to the central transit node, officials hope to reduce road congestion and encourage more Filipinos to utilize the railway system through improved last-mile connectivity.
The agency has yet to release the final budget and specific construction start date, but Secretary Lopez emphasized that the goal is to break ground as soon as possible to provide immediate relief to the public.