Metro Manila commuters and motorists should brace for carmageddon as the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) prepares for the EDSA Rebuild project. With construction works set to begin soon, the agency is implementing various measures to alleviate congestion and maintain mobility in the country’s busiest thoroughfare.
MMDA Chairman Atty. Don Artes, alongside DPWH Sec. Manuel Bonoan and DOTr Sec. Vince Dizon, unveiled the traffic mitigation plan during a press briefing at the MMDA Communications and Command Center on Monday.
Odd-Even Traffic Scheme
A 24-hour odd-even scheme will be exclusive to EDSA and begin its dry run on June 16. Under this policy:
- Vehicles with plates ending in odd numbers (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) cannot use EDSA on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
- Vehicles with plates ending in even numbers (2, 4, 6, 8, 0) are restricted on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
Provincial Buses & Trucks Face Restrictions
To further ease congestion, provincial buses, garbage trucks, aviation fuel delivery trucks, and trucks carrying perishable goods will only be permitted to ply EDSA during a 10:00 pm to 5:00 am window period. Outside this timeframe, they are banned from using the highway.
The agencies have also agreed to remove bike lane separators along EDSA to optimize space. MMDA is set to consult with stakeholders, including cycling groups and ride-hailing firms, on how best to share lanes with motorcycles.
Clearing Operations and Toll Fee Waivers
DOTr said it will clear illegally parked vehicles and obstructions along designated alternate routes to improve traffic flow.
- Increasing the number of buses for the EDSA Bus Carousel.
- Deploying more MRT-3 trains to accommodate passengers.
- Waiving toll fees on selected sections of Skyway Stage 3, in coordination with San Miguel Corporation and the Toll Regulatory Board.
EDSA Rebuild
The two-year EDSA Rebuild aims to replace damaged pavement with reinforced concrete to withstand high traffic volume.
The segmentized repairs will start on June 13, prioritizing Pasay to Shaw Boulevard. Construction will be completed per lane every two months, beginning with the innermost bus lanes before moving outward.
Stay tuned for further updates.
Featured Image: Google Maps
