An unfinished footbridge along EDSA-Kamuning in Quezon City is already making social media users and commuters dizzy because it is being perceived as too tall.
A photo of the footbridge was originally uploaded by Macky Fernando in Facebook. According to him, the footbridge is located near the Manuel L. Quezon University.
It is not immediately clear whether the project is under the Metro Manila Development Authority, the Department of Public Works and Highways or the local government unit of Quezon City.
While the construction is still underway and how the completed footbridge will actually look like is not yet known, commuters have already reacted to the project with criticism and amusement.
A Twitter user joked that pedestrians should engage in “rope climbing” and “rappelling” to get down once they cross the other side of the footbridge.
Bale magro-rope climbing at rappelling na lang daw pataas at pababa sa kabilang side pic.twitter.com/ELQpBD5ZHw
— Satan (@ITSYABOISATANAS) October 30, 2018
It has even inspired others to create what could be considered a meme, courtesy of a Facebook user who claimed that his friend has “climbed” the so-called GMA-Kamuning Traverse.
Others noted how the footbridge’s elevated height might affect pedestrians who have vertigo, a sensation of spinning dizziness that is highly uncomfortable.
Frenzy over footbridges
Four years ago, a photo of a very short footbridge constructed by the MMDA went viral and was heavily criticized on social media for its extremely short length.
The footbridge was touted the “weirdest project in the world” by social media users.
Former MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino explained that the mini footbridge, located at the Children’s Road Safety Park in front of Manila Zoo, was meant to train children about road safety, including the proper crossing of streets.
“Ang ating purpose doon ay para sa murang edad mabigyan natin ng tamang edukasyon ‘yang ating mga kabataan sa mga tamang traffic regulations,” he shared.
The park opened in November 2012 to educate children about road safety and basic traffic regulations. It features miniature road signages, pedestrian lanes and footbridges such as the one pictured above.
Despite MMDA’s efforts, however, reports of people being apprehended for illegally crossing the streets continue to rise.
As of Oct. 18, 2018, the government agency reported that there were 1,682 people who committed jaywalking in the metro. The one-thousandth rate has not decreased since August.
Those caught committing the act are supposed to render three hours of community service every last Friday of the month under the supervision of MMDA. Violators are also given the option to pay a penalty fee of P500.
Other similar ones
The elevated footbridge along EDSA Kamuning is not the first of its kind. Similar ones are also located along the country’s busiest national highway, usually above MRT tracks.
These can be seen in EDSA-Cubao near Ramon Magsaysay High School, in Central Avenue on Quezon City and in EDSA-Magallanes near the MRT Taft Avenue Station, among others.
LOOK: Photos of two overpasses in Quezon City recently made rounds on social media after netizens argued whether the pedestrian footbridges were logically built or not. What do you think? pic.twitter.com/fb6K5vw8z2
— The Philippine Star (@PhilippineStar) October 30, 2018
However, most of these footbridges are made of cement, not steel. Some of them even have a roof.
While the one in Kamuning is similar to the one in Central Avenue, the former has a greater length, making it the highest elevated footbridge in the metro so far. — Featured image from Macky Fernando via Facebook
