The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is set to impose traffic mitigation measures to alleviate the anticipated heavy traffic flow during the rebuilding of Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) to be conducted by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
MMDA Chairman Don Artes announced the traffic mitigating measures to be undertaken, with DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan, and Department of Transportation – Philippines (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon, during a press briefing held at the MMDA Communications and Command Center on the EDSA Rebuild.
According to Artes, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. directed the agency to manage traffic and implement mitigating measures to avoid “carmageddon” during the EDSA rebuild project, not just along the said major thoroughfare but also on other identified alternate routes, including Mabuhay lanes.
Number one on the list is the implementation of the odd-even scheme 24/7 which is limited to EDSA only starting June 16.”
Number one on the list, the MMDA chief said, is the implementation of the odd-even scheme 24/7 which is limited to EDSA only starting June 16 (dry run).
Under the odd-even scheme, vehicles with license plates ending in odd numbers (1,3,5,7,9) are not allowed to use EDSA during Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Meanwhile, vehicles with license plates ending in even numbers (2,4,6,8,0) are prohibited to ply EDSA during Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
“With the enforcement of the odd-even scheme, we are expecting a 40% reduction of vehicles along EDSA,” he said.
The number coding scheme shall still be implemented on other thoroughfares in Metro Manila.
Another traffic mitigating measure is the banning of provincial buses and trucks carrying perishable goods, garbage trucks, and aviation fuel delivery trucks along EDSA.
“They are only allowed to traverse EDSA during the 10 pm to 5 am window period. From 5 am to 10 pm, they are prohibited from traversing along EDSA,” Artes said.
Concerned agencies have also agreed to remove the bike lane separators along EDSA.
“We are planning to put up exclusive motorcycle lanes along EDSA as riders will be prohibited from using flyovers and underpasses.”
He said they are planning to meet with stakeholders, including cycling groups, motorcycle groups and motorcycle ride-hailing app firms to discuss possible sharing of bicycle lanes.
“We are planning to put up exclusive motorcycle lanes along EDSA as riders will be prohibited from using flyovers and underpasses,” Artes added.
Moreover, identified alternate routes will also be cleared of illegally parked vehicles and other obstructions.
Dizon said other measures to be implemented by DOTr include adding units to the EDSA Bus Carousel system to encourage more people to take public utility buses; adding more trains to MRT 3; and waiving toll fees on certain sections of the Skyway Stage 3, in coordination with the Toll Regulatory Board and San Miguel Corporation.
The two-year EDSA Rebuild, part of President Marcos Jr. ‘s “Build Better More”, is a major infrastructure project envisioned as a long-term solution to the dilemma of pothole patching and damaged road pavements by using reinforced concrete to strengthen road integrity against high vehicular volume.
Bonoan said the concept of the EDSA rebuild is to change the pavement into a new sturdy one. Preparatory works for the project will begin on June 13. DPWH will employ several contractors all at the same time to hasten the project.
Repair and upgrade will be segmentized and will be done per lane with each portion expected to be completed every two months. The road works will start on the bus lane or innermost lane in both directions until reaching the outer lanes. The stretch of Pasay to Shaw Boulevard (both NB and SB) will be prioritized.
