EDSA Rebuild program set on June 13

MANILA: The Department of Public Work and Highways will conduct a two-year rebuilding program for the Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) starting June 13.

Following this, various traffic management measures are going to be implemented within the aforementioned time frame.

According to MMDA Chairman Atty. Romando Artes, the agency received orders from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to manage traffic “to avoid ‘carmageddon’” during the course of the rebuild project — not on the said thoroughfare but on other identified alternate routes like the Mabuhay Lanes.

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.

Among the measures that will be implemented will be the following:

• Round-the-clock implementation of the odd-even scheme in EDSA
• Limited access of provincial buses and trucks carrying perishable goods, garbage trucks, and aviation fuel delivery trucks along EDSA
• Removal of bike lane separators along EDSA and elimination of obstructions along alternate routes
• Increasing the number of units in EDSA Busway Carousel and MRT-3
• Toll holiday on select sections of Skyway Stage 3

Odd-even scheme

According to Artes, the implementation of the odd-even scheme will have its dry run on June 16.

Under the program, vehicles with license plates ending in odd numbers (1,3,5,7,9) are not allowed to use EDSA during Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays while those wearing even numbers (2,4,6,8,0) are prohibited to traverse the said road during Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

“With the enforcement of the odd-even scheme, we are expecting a 40-percent reduction of vehicles along EDSA,” Artes noted.

The number-coding scheme shall still be implemented on other thoroughfares in Metro Manila.

Provincial bus, trucks limited access to EDSA

Provincial buses and trucks with perishable goods, garbage trucks, and aviation fuel delivery trucks will only be given window time to use EDSA.

Per Artes, these vehicles are only allowed to ply the EDSA from 10 p.m.-5 a.m.

Removal of bike lane separators

Further, the MMDA chair also said that concerned agencies have also agreed to remove the bike lane separators along EDSA.

He mentioned that they are planning to meet with stakeholders — which will include cycling groups, motorcycle groups and motorcycle ride-hailing app firms — to discuss possible sharing of bicycle lanes. 

He also said that the agency is eyeing to establish exclusive motorcycle lanes along EDSA as riders will not be allowed to use flyovers and underpasses.

Moreover, identified alternate routes will also be cleared of illegally parked vehicles and other obstructions.

Additional units to EDSA Busway, MRT-3

For his part, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon said that the number of units to the EDSA Bus Carousel system and trains in the MRT-3 will be increased.

This, he said, is eyed to help the public with their commute and encourage them to take public transport.

‘Toll holiday’ in Skyway Stage 3

Further, he said that certain sections of the Skyway Stage 3 will have waived toll fees in coordination with the Toll Regulatory Board and San Miguel Corporation (SMC).

Knowing that the temporary arrangement might result in loss of income to SMC, the DOTr and TRB are exploring options to grant SMC some reprieve — including possible extension of their concession agreement with the government.

DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan said the concept of the EDSA rebuild is to change the pavement into a new sturdy one. 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 (north- and southbound lanes) will be prioritized.

Also read:

MMDA to conduct traffic-alleviating measures following EDSA-Kamuning Flyover closure

Heftier fines vs EDSA Bus Carousel regulation violators to be imposed next week

PUV drivers to undergo mandatory alcohol, drug testing, says DOTr

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