The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has agreed to temporarily halt excavations on Metro Manila roadways to offer relief to commuters and motorists during the Christmas season.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority said it will cooperate with the DPWH to enforce this measure in a bid to ease the anticipated traffic during the holiday rush.
Excavation works that cause obstruction or affect traffic flow will be temporarily suspended from Nov. 13, 2023, until Jan. 8, 2024.
However, the moratorium does not cover certain projects, such as government flagship projects, DPWH bridge repair, flood interceptor catchment projects, asphalt overlay projects, sidewalk improvement, drainage improvement projects, footbridge projects, emergency leak repair, new water service connections, road activities without excavation, and Meralco relocation/emergency works affecting major government projects.
“As part of the national government’s initiative to address the existing traffic congestion in Metro Manila, the MMDA was tasked to spearhead the efforts of all government agencies involved in traffic management,” said MMDA chairman Romando Artes.
The Metro Manila Council, composed of the 17 mayors in the National Capital Region and the MMDA’s governing board, recently approved a resolution stating that “all excavation activities in Metro Manila’s road right-of-way (national or city roads), such as, but not limited to, road re-blocking works, pipe laying, road upgrading and all other excavation works that will cause obstruction or will affect the smooth flow of traffic, including alternate routes identified by this Authority, shall be temporarily suspended effective midnight of Nov. 13, 2023.”
“All concerned agencies are therefore advised to take appropriate measures to ensure the implementation of this Memorandum Circular and that all affected roads will remain passable, clean, safe, and serviceable to all types of vehicles and pedestrians during this period.”