Key transport and traffic agencies are coordinating to develop protocols and a traffic management plan in anticipation of major road works along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA), one of Metro Manila’s busiest thoroughfares, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said Wednesday.
In a press briefing in Malacañang, DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan said preparations are underway to minimize public inconvenience once the EDSA rehabilitation begins in mid-June.
“I’m sure there will be some inconvenience to some extent, as we will be occupying parts of EDSA while the rehabilitation work is underway,” Bonoan said.
According to Bonoan, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) are working closely to finalize a comprehensive traffic scheme, including alternative routes and lane reassignments during the construction phase.
“I think MMDA and DOTr already have the protocols and traffic management plan laid out. They’re assessing what alternate routes are available and how to manage internal traffic on EDSA during construction,” he added.
One proposal under consideration is the temporary use of portions of Skyway Stage 3 by regular EDSA motorists.
“That is one of the DOTr’s proposals—to coordinate with the Skyway concessionaires to allow some EDSA vehicles to use the Skyway while the rehabilitation is ongoing,” Bonoan said.
Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon earlier stated that the Toll Regulatory Board will ask San Miguel Corp. to waive toll fees on parts of the Skyway during the EDSA rehabilitation.
Additionally, the MMDA is exploring the use of dedicated lane separations to ensure smoother traffic flow.
The government aims to complete the first phase of the project next year, in time for Manila’s hosting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit.