The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is set to partially close the Edsa-Kamuning southbound flyover in Quezon City starting April 25, to make way for the retrofitting and strengthening of its permanent bridges. The areas highlighted in yellow indicate the parts which will be affected by the retrofitting project. Photo screen grabbed from a document provided to reporters by the DPWH on April 4, 2024.
MANILA, Philippines — Motorists were told to expect heavy traffic congestion along the Edsa-Kamuning southbound flyover in Quezon City when it will be partially closed starting April 25, and may last for 11 months, due to retrofitting.
In a press briefing with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Thursday, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) announced that it will partially close the flyover to make way for the retrofitting and strengthening of its permanent bridges to prepare it for possible strong earthquake.
READ: Edsa Timog flyover-southbound to be closed for a month — MMDA
“We need to retrofit it to prepare for what we call ‘the Big One,’” Paul Chua, a Project Inspector from the DPWH-National Capital Region said in a mix of Filipino and English.
The “Big One” refers to a large earthquake generated by active fault lines which may significantly rattle the country and its surrounding areas, according to state seismologists.
The Edsa-Kamuning southbound flyover was built in 1992 and its age causes more “wear-and-tear” over time, which MMDA acting chair Don Artes said could pose danger to motorists.
The flyover retrofitting project of the DPWH will be divided into four phases with each phase lasting around 12 weeks, Chua noted.
“Total retrofitting of the Edsa-Kamuning southbound flyover will last for 11 months,” Chua explained.
However, the DPWH official noted that unlike previous rehabilitation endeavors on the flyover, it will remain passable and would not take up the entire thoroughfare.
“With the help of the office of the MMDA, we assure you that the Edsa Bus Carousel Lane will not be inconvenienced by this project,” he added.
READ: Edsa-Kamuning traffic still manageable despite flyover closure — MMDA
In 2022, the flyover was fully closed for a month to make way for authorities to fix cracks and potholes along the thoroughfare.
The MMDA previously said that around 140,000 vehicles pass the flyover every day.