The entire Edsa-Timog flyover in Quezon City will be closed to traffic for a month to allow major repair works. —GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE from MMDA
MANILA, Philippines — The traffic situation along Edsa Kamuning service road is still manageable even after the closure of Edsa Timog Flyover-Southbound, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said Monday.
MMDA Chairman Atty. Romando Artes issued the remark after monitoring the traffic along Edsa Southbound to check the effect of the bridge closure, which started last Saturday, June 25.
“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. Motorcycle riders and bikers are likewise urged to use these alternate routes for their safety,” Artes said in a statement.
The joint operation was conducted by MMDA along with the Department of Public Works and Highways, Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group, and Inter-Agency Council for Traffic.
MMDA earlier announced that the flyover will be closed for a month to make way for repairs.
It advised the public to take alternate routes during the repair, as construction works have to be done without any vibration movement.
“Repairs will be done manually without heavy equipment,” Artes earlier said.
There are around 140,000 estimated vehicles passing through the flyover daily that will be affected by the closure, according to MMDA.
To further manage the traffic situation in the area, Artes said MMDA has implemented extra necessary measures like deploying additional traffic personnel.
“Around 100 additional enforcers have been deployed to manage traffic along Edsa better. We will be assisted by the PNP-HPG as well as the local government unit of Quezon City at the inner roads,” he said.
“MMDA is also considering making adjustments on the traffic lights, if necessary.”
Meanwhile, MMDA also equipped alternate routes with additional direction signages as a guide for motorists.
To ensure all alternative routes are passable, the agency will conduct intensified clearing operations to avoid road obstructions such as illegally parked vehicles, Artes said.
The flyover was utilized by around 57,354 vehicles while the service road was utilized by 51,770 vehicles, according to MMDA Traffic Engineering Center vehicle traffic count in May. — Nicole Faye Agcaoili, trainee