MMDA: Road diggings in NCR must be synchronized

The leadership of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said that road diggings, specifically on major thoroughfares, must be streamlined.

This was the message of MMDA Chair Benhur Abalos upon meeting representatives of utility companies to discuss ways synchronize excavation works on major thoroughfares in Metro Manila, particularly along EDSA.

Abalos cited that these road diggings and repairs on major roads cause inconvenience to motorists.

 “The conduct of road diggings, excavations, and other similar works should be done harmoniously,” Abalos mentioned.  "The utility companies should conduct works on a particular area synchronously so that road diggings are not done repeatedly, except for emergency repairs," he added.

At the meeting, the MMDA chief asked private firms to submit an inventory of their respective projects as well as length of time of construction and “closely coordinate with the MMDA to ensure that road works in Metro Manila are managed efficiently.”

Apart from that, the companies need to secure a permit from the concerned Metro Manila local government unit (LGU) and submit a traffic management plan before commencing on a road work project to ensure minimal effect to traffic flow. 

 “We need to work together. If we can do our projects simultaneously on a certain area, we will execute a single traffic management plan,” Abalos said during the meeting.

For his part, MMDA General Manager Jojo Garcia said the agency needs to be notified at least three days in advance and be given a time-table so it can also inform the Department of Public Works and Highways.

Currently, the government is fast-tracking the buildup of telecommunications infrastructure in the country.  ICT Service Providers are allowed to undertake excavations and restoration works for ICT infrastructure projects within allowable right-of-way limits of national roads.

Photos from Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Ruben D. Manahan IV

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