The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Department of Transportation (DOTr), and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) have laid out their planned interventions to ensure safe and orderly traffic flow during the implementation of the EDSA Rebuild project.
"Marami nang paghahandang ginawa, sa utos na rin ng ating pangulo, na habang ginagawa ang EDSA, habang ini-re-rebuild ang EDSA, dapat kahit papaano ay may gagawin kami," Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon said during a press briefing on Monday.
Preparatory works for the EDSA Rebuild project are set to begin on June 13, according to DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan.
With this, concerned agencies are considering traffic management measures to be implemented along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA).
One of the proposed measures is the odd-even scheme, which will undergo a one-week dry run starting June 16, coinciding with the DPWH's preparatory works for the EDSA rehabilitation project.
Under the odd-even scheme along EDSA, vehicles with license plates ending in 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 will be prohibited from using the road every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday; while those with plates ending in 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 will not be allowed on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
RH Edniel Parrosa reported that the scheme will be enforced alongside the existing number coding system in Metro Manila.
MMDA Chairman Romando Artes said the initiative is projected to ease traffic by cutting the number of motorists on EDSA by as much as 40 percent.
Apart from the odd-even scheme, the following measures have also been proposed:
- Free Skyway Stage 3 Toll
- 100 additional bus units to be deployed for the EDSA Busway
- Increase in train units for MRT-3
- Truck and provincial bus ban in effect, except from 10 PM to 5 AM
- Clearing of obstructions along alternate routes or Mabuhay Lanes
Furthermore, free toll access on Skyway Stage 3 is projected to take effect in July or August.
Dizon assured that the dedicated EDSA Busway will remain operational throughout the EDSA Rebuild project.
Meanwhile, Artes revealed that they are considering removing bike lanes to create dedicated motorcycle lanes.
The official explained that narrower lanes during the EDSA rehabilitation would pose a danger to cyclists.
Their office will coordinate with riders, such as TNVS operators, as well as socio-civic stakeholders like the group Move As One, for further consultation and consideration.
