The decision by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to postpone the rehabilitation of Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) is a welcome one, acknowledging the potential “carmageddon” it would unleash without proper alternatives. We fully concur with the President’s insistence that every effort must be made to mitigate the colossal traffic problems that would arise from diverting vehicles onto smaller roads. Even recent measures, like the confusing new color-coding scheme and free Skyway access northbound, offer little comfort for such a massive disruption.
However, the reality remains: EDSA, like nearly 90 percent of Metro Manila’s roads, is in dire need of a complete overhaul. Drivers navigate a constant obstacle course of potholes and uneven surfaces. Past “rehabilitations” have proven to be mere band-aid solutions, utilizing low-grade asphalt instead of durable cement. This leads to rapid deterioration, especially during rainfall, exposing the underlying issues in short order.
The government must forge an unwavering collaboration with local governments to clear and maintain previously identified “Mabuhay Lanes.” These alternative routes have proven effective in the past but are routinely re-occupied by sidewalk vendors and informal settlers due to lax enforcement and a lack of sustained discipline. Holding local government units accountable for keeping these lanes clear would significantly contribute to finding viable alternative routes for motorists.
Ultimately, the government needs innovative and effective solutions before any future closure of EDSA. The President’s demand for better plans highlights the inadequacy of previous proposals, underscoring the urgency of finding truly workable solutions to avert the impending “carmageddon.”