The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said it will dispatch around 650 traffic enforcers to manage the heavy traffic expected during the one-time, big-time emergency repair of the EDSA Bus Carousel.
***(MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO/ NOEL PABALATE)***
Portions of the EDSA Bus Carousel from Balintawak to Buendia Avenue will be closed to vehicular traffic as they undergo emergency repairs from 10 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 4, to 5 a.m. on Wednesday next week, Aug. 9, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said.
“The MMDA will also implement a traffic management plan and deploy 650 traffic enforcers to manage the traffic flow along EDSA and guide motorists and commuters that will be affected,” the agency said in a statement.
According to the MMDA, the DPWH’s emergency road repair is because of the damages caused by previous typhoons and the ongoing effects of the monsoon rain in the National Capital Region (NCR).
With this, the agency urged motorists to utilize alternate routes to avoid the heavy flow of vehicles along the major thoroughfare.
The MMDA said the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has geared up for the expected influx of passengers as portions of the EDSA Bus Carousel undergo emergency road repairs.
Transportation Undersecretary for Railways Cesar Chavez has assured that the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) is ready to accommodate commuters who will be affected by the emergency repair, MMDA Acting Chairperson Don Artes said.
"Motorists and commuters who will be affected by the one-time, big-time emergency repair are expected to take the trains to avoid the expected traffic build-up at EDSA. Usec. Chavez assured that the MRT is ready for the anticipated influx," he said.
"MRT 3 now has 24 trainsets available and operational after completing its general overhaul of 72 Light Rail Vehicles in November 2022," he added.
Per their data, Chavez said MRT’s daily average now is 375,000 to 400,000 ridership.
“At 18 trainsets during peak hours, MRT3 has increased its ridership to 10 million/month from five million per month in 2021 and eight million/month in 2022, which shows that commuters are now patronizing the MRT,” he said.
The MMDA said the MRT 3 is also prepared to deploy two additional trainsets during peak hours if and when deemed necessary.
"With 24 train sets available, MRT can deploy two or three more train sets if needed to accommodate 450,000 to 500,000 passengers daily with four minutes headway," Chavez told Artes during their meeting.
The DPWH has vowed to immediately open closed portions of the bus lane once repairs have been completed, the MMDA said.