DPWH to close portions of EDSA Bus Carousel for emergency repairs

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) advised motorists on Thursday to take alternate routes as portions of the EDSA Bus Carousel will be closed to traffic for emergency repairs. 

In an advisory, the DPWH said northbound and southbound sections of the EDSA Bus Carousel from Balintawak to Buendia Avenue will undergo repairs starting Friday, August 4 at 10 p.m. due to the observed damage caused by the incessant rains brought by the enhanced Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) and the recent tropical cyclones.

"In order to prevent untoward accidents, the DPWH-NCR will conduct asphalt overlays on 19,068 square meters of identified damaged roads, while 6,177.50 square meters will be subject to concrete reblocking," the DPWH said. 

"The emergency road works will help instantly rectify damaged portions in the EDSA Bus Carousel, ensuring safe and convenient busways for commuters, as a proactive response to unexpected road inconvenience," the department added. 

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) earlier said that at least 196 areas were placed under a state of calamity due to the combined effects of the enhanced Habagat and Typhoon Egay. 

The reported death toll stands at 27, with two fatalities confirmed and 25 still subject to validation. At least 13 were also still reportedly missing, while 140 more were injured.

Around 2.9 million people, or over 781,000 families, in 4,748 barangays across the country were affected, the NDRRMC said. 

The estimated cost of damage to infrastructure rose to P3,550,643,255. — VBL, GMA Integrated News