The MMDA is imposing a ban on traffic-causing road projects from Nov. 14, 2022, to Jan. 6, 2023, to help ease Christmas season traffic in Metro Manila, (File photo by NIÑO JESUS ORBETA / Philippine Daily Inquirer)
MANILA, Philippines — The suspension of road construction projects that cause heavy traffic started on Monday, Nov. 14, and will last until Jan. 6 next year, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) reminded local government units in Metro Manila.
The suspension, which was geared to ease expected heavy traffic during the Christmas season was included in the memorandum signed by MMDA Chairperson Romando Artes, MMDA spokesperson Melissa Carunungan said during the Laging Handa public briefing on Monday.
Only flagship projects of the government and projects that would not cause heavy traffic – such as those done on sidewalks and center islands – would be allowed to continue, Carunungan said.
Carunungan said that local government units can ask for an exemption, but it would still be deliberated on a “case-to-case basis.”
“So if it’s a flagship project, they fall under the exception,” she added.
Traffic around Metro Manila is expected to swell as December nears due to various shopping sprees, trips in and out of the National Capital Region, and Christmas parties now that COVID-19 restrictions are eased.
This is despite MMDA’s directive to malls in Metro Manila to adjust operating hours to 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. to manage traffic along major thoroughfares.
Currently, the number of vehicles moving along Edsa is around 398,000, Carunungan said, citing the most recent survey taken by the MMDA Traffic Engineering Center.
Edsa is Metro Manila’s most important artery, as it is one of the major roads that link provinces north of Metro Manila, such as those in Central Luzon and those down south in Calabarzon.
In comparison, pre-pandemic levels were at around 400,000 vehicles along Edsa per day.