MMDA suspends all excavation activities in NCR to address Christmas traffic woes
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has suspended all excavation activities in Metro Manila’s national roads from Nov. 14 to Jan. 6 next year as part of the measures to address Christmas traffic woes.
MMDA acting chairman Romando Artes said the suspension of excavation activities include road reblocking works, pipe laying, road upgrading, and all other excavation works.
He said the suspension order takes effect at midnight of Nov. 14 and will be lifted at midnight of Jan. 6.
Artes, however, said the suspension order does not include the following:
• Flagship projects of the government;
• DPWH bridge repair/construction;
• Flood interceptor catchment project (box culvert);
• Asphalt overlay projects without reblocking works;
• Sidewalk improvement;
• Drainage improvement projects along the sidewalk and not occupying any part of the roadway;
• Footbridge projects;
• Emergency leak repair or breakage of water line by Manila Water and Maynilad Water Services;
• Project using trenchless or horizontal directional drilling method;
• New water service or electrical service connections;
• Road activities without excavation (traffic clearance only);
• Traffic signalization projects; and
• Meralco relocation works affecting major projects of the government.
On Tuesday, Nov. 8, the MMDA announced the adjustment of mall operating hours in Metro Manila to alleviate expected heavier traffic jams during the Christmas season.
The operating hours of the malls, especially those located along major thoroughfares, will be from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. starting Nov. 14 until Jan. 6.