Coronavirus restrictions have pushed back the opening of the Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT2) East Extension to June 23, from the original April 26 schedule.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said on Friday, April 16, that instead of a formal inauguration, an operational trial run will be conducted on June 23.

The partial opening covers the Emerald (Marikina) and Masinag (Antipolo) stations, extending the LRT2 after Santolan Station.

Foreign rail experts, who are needed for the final stages of the project, were unable to report for work or enter the Philippines due to travel restrictions during the lockdown. The DOTr explained that the decision was made to protect the health and safety of rail workers and the riding public.

As of February 28, the LRT2 East Extension project was already 96.51% completed.

DOTr said that the final stages of installation, testing, and commissioning for the overhead catenary system, power systems, and signaling will be completed before the inauguration.

The two new stations are expected to cut bus or jeepney travel time between Manila and Antipolo City from three hours to 40 minutes.

The LRT2 East Extension project broke ground in 2015. It was supposed to be completed three and a half years after, but encountered delays. – Rappler.com