The C-5 expressway as an urbanizer

Parallel to the 38-km long Marikina River, Circumferential Road 5 or simply known as C-5 is a network of roads and bridges that form Metro Manila’s fifth beltway. This formidable transportation corridor is one of Metro Manila’s six circumferential roads that traverse the entirety of the metro through 10 supporting radial roads.

A high-speed, high-capacity thoroughfare, C-5 carries traffic at relatively long distances with few fixed points of discharge.

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Vein of prosperity

C-5 is now home to a number of masterplanned communities—some completed and others in varying stages of completion—including Eastwood City, Parklinks, Bridgetowne, Ortigas East, Arcovia.

With the Marikina River and C-5 being so close to each other and running parallel to one other, these projects have an advantage in terms of accessibility and location. Whenever feasible, industries will seek locations as close to points of access as possible, and in many circumstances, this will include locations near interchanges.

The variety of masterplanned communities to choose from along C-5 can also result in a diversified user experience throughout the corridor. For example, Megaworld’s Arcovia City is ideal for those seeking a European-inspired township living experience, whereas Ayala Land and Eton Properties’ Parklinks seeks to complete the missing piece of the C-5 corridor with abundant patches of open and green spaces.

Valuable district linkages

Converting riverfront and expressway assets into attractive residential, commercial and mixed-use buildings may result in an increase in property prices. Eventually, these projects may promote investment in adjacent properties, resulting in upgrades to public spaces, schools, security and other public facilities necessary to support the rising population.

The recently inaugurated BGC-Ortigas Center Road Link spanning the business districts of Ortigas and Bonifacio Global City brought an hour-long travel time to as short as 12 minutes. This alleviates traffic congestion caused by the ongoing urbanization of the Edsa and C-5 corridors.

Resident- and commuter -friendly connections

In most situations, a significant portion of C-5’s clientele will be self-transported, which is why one of the defining factors of its successful growth will be the quality of its transportation infrastructure. When multiple urban projects congregate on a single arterial route such as C5, one of the primary issues will be traffic congestion.

Anticipating an increase in the number of inhabitants and commuters prompted the development of more radical transit alternatives, one of which is the Pasig River Ferry, which began operations in 2019. Additionally, a spanning railway project is in the works, with the Department of Transportation proposing the addition of 16 MRT stations along these masterplanned neighborhoods. The program is creating a new transportation tier parallel to the Marikina River and the C5.

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In the past decade there have been several notable residential developments that have been constructed along C5. This has resulted in a steady increase in demand for new properties, which almost guarantees it will continue to be sought after as a potential location for future masterplanned communities.

As a result of these considerations, it is almost certain that C5 will continue to be sought after as a potential location for future growth. As paying homage to its traditions and current destinations, all of these elements will help to create a cohesive urban identity for C5 that is greater than the sum of its parts.

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Article was originally published in Inquirer and written by Ar. John Ian Lee Fulgar.

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