The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced on Saturday, Nov. 11, that it will temporarily suspend road excavation in Metro Manila due to the upcoming holiday season wherein vehicles are expected to surge.

In its Facebook post, the MMDA stated that the suspension will start on Monday, Nov. 13, and will end on January 8, 2024.

The agency said excavation activities for road reblocking, pipe laying, road upgrading, and other works will be temporarily suspended.

Meanwhile, the exempted road projects from the suspension are the following:

• Flagship projects of the government
• Department of Public Works and Highways bridge repair and construction
• Flood interceptor catchment project (box culvert)
• Asphalt overlay projects without reblocking works
• Sidewalk improvement
• Drainage improvement projects along the sidewalk and not occupying any part of the roadway
• Footbridge projects
• Emergency leak repair or breakage of the water line of Manila Water Company and Maynilad Water Services Incorporated
• New water service or electrical service connections
• Road activities without excavation (traffic clearance only)
• Meralco relocation works affecting major government projects
• Other projects, as may be allowed by MMDA upon due application