The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is fielding an additional 100 enforcers to assist with traffic management on EDSA, as repairs to the Timog southbound flyover commence.
MMDA Chair Romando Artes monitors the traffic situation along EDSA
This was announced by MMDA Chairman Romando Artes, as he joined representatives from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), PNP Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG), and Inter-Agency Council for Traffic (I-ACT) in monitoring traffic flow on EDSA’s southbound lane.
The activity followed the closure of the Timog southbound flyover which took effect on Saturday, June 25, due to structural damage. Repairs to the bridge, which include the reconstruction of the bridge diaphragm and adding a new 30-meter bridge slab deck, is expected to take a month.
Given the repair works, the MMDA is supplementing its usual personnel with more traffic enforcers in the area. “We will be assisted by the PNP-HPG as well as the local government unit of Quezon City at the inner roads,” said Artes in an interview Monday.
The additional MMDA enforcers will be backed up by PNP-HPG personnel
He noted that the traffic situation on the country’s busiest thoroughfare, particularly the EDSA-Kamuning service road area is still manageable. The MMDA is reportedly studying other traffic improvement efforts such as intensified clearing operations, to remove obstructions such as illegally parked vehicles.
“MMDA is also considering making adjustments on the traffic lights, if necessary,” Artes added.
The MMDA chief reminded motorists, as well as cyclists and motorcycle riders, that the agency has designated alternate routes they can take while the flyover is being repaired.
Repairs on the bridge are expected to last a month
“There are four identified alternate routes for motorists. Vehicles coming from EDSA southbound may turn right at either Mother Ignacia Avenue, Panay Avenue, Scout Albano, or Scout Borromeo,” he said. Additional directional signages have been installed to guide all road users to this end.
According to data from the MMDA’s Traffic Engineering Center in May, 109,124 cars pass through the EDSA Timog southbound area on a daily basis. This was divided into 57,354 vehicles that used the flyover, and 51,770 vehicles which used the service road section.
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