Additional MMDA enforcers, MRT3 trains to be deployed for EDSA repair traffic

Published August 4, 2023 4:15pm

Additional traffic enforcers and Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT3) trains will be deployed to address the expected influx of passengers and vehicles during the repair on some portions of EDSA, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said on Friday.

In a statement, the MMDA said it had a meeting with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to discuss preparations for the possible traffic during the repair in the major thoroughfare from August 4 to August 9.

The MMDA will set up a traffic management plan and deploy 650 traffic enforcers to manage the traffic flow along EDSA and guide affected motorists and commuters.

“Motorists and commuters who will be affected by the one-time, big-time emergency repair are expected to take the trains to avoid the expected traffic build-up at EDSA,” MMDA chairperson Romando Artes said.

Aside from this, the MMDA said MRT3 will also add at least two train sets during peak hours if needed.

“With 24 train sets available, MRT can deploy two or three more train sets if needed to accommodate 450,000 to 500,000 passengers daily with four minutes headway,” DOTr Undersecretary for Railways Cesar Chavez said.

The road repairs, which will cover 15 different locations, are scheduled to start by 10 p.m. on Friday, August 4, and end by 5 a.m. on Wednesday, August 9.

The roads that will be affected will be along these areas:

Both directions of the EDSA Busway in Caloocan
Road along SM North Edsa to MRT Quezon Avenue station
In front of Corinthian Gardens past Camp Aguinaldo
In front of the BBM headquarters and near Ricoa in Mandaluyong City
Four other areas are in Makati City, from the Guadalupe Bridge to Rockwell Kalayaan Footbridge

The MMDA advised motorists travelling from North-to-South in Metro Manila are advised to use the skyway as an alternative route while the repairs are ongoing.

There are also 11 other alternative routes along the Mabuhay lanes. These routes are posted on the MMDA website. — Joviland Rita/RSJ, GMA Integrated News