The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) agreed to temporarily halt excavation activities on Metro Manila roadways during the Christmas season to relieve commuters and motorists.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) earned the cooperation of the DPWH to enforce this measure, which aims to ease anticipated traffic during the holiday rush.
MMDA Chairman Don Artes said excavation works that cause obstructions or affect traffic flow in the metropolis will be temporarily suspended from midnight on November 18 to midnight on December 25.
The moratorium does not cover certain government projects, including government flagship projects, DPWH bridge repair, flood interceptor catchment, asphalt overlay, sidewalk improvement, drainage improvement, footbridge projects, emergency leak repair, new water service connections, road activities without excavation, and Meralco relocation/emergency works.
MMDA records showed traffic volume rose 15 to 20 percent between November and December.
The agency also expects the traffic volume to increase due to the influx of people and vehicles coming from various provinces in Southern Tagalog and Central Luzon.
