LGUs, agencies discuss measures to ease traffic amid EDSA rehab

Several government agencies and Metro Manila local government units on Thursday tackled possible measures that will be implemented to ease the expected heavy traffic during the rehabilitation of EDSA in April.

Among the agencies that joined the meeting were the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Department of Public Works and Highways, and Department of Transportation.

“Kaya kami nandito ngayon, pinresent natin sa ating Metro Manila Council at hihintayin natin ang kanilang mga komento at inputs,” DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon said in a press conference.

(That’s why we are here today, we presented it to our Metro Manila Council and we will wait for their comments and inputs.)

“Pero sa coming days, itong papasok na Abril, maa-announce na namin nang buong-buo itong planong ito. Kasama na rin 'yung mga measures na gagawin natin, 'yung mga paraan na gagawin natin, para kahit papano, maibsan natin 'yung parating na paghihirap at traffic na talagang mangyayari,” he added.

(But in the coming days, this coming April, we will be able to announce this plan in full. It will also include the measures we will take so that at least we can alleviate the upcoming hardship and traffic that will definitely happen.)

MMDA chairperson Romando Artes said the agency is preparing to set up alternate routes among other measures.

“On the part naman ng MMDA, kami po ang naatasan ng Pangulo na manguna sa pagma-manage po ng traffic, paggawa ng plano, kung paano nga po ma-minimize 'yung effect sa atin po mga bumibiyahe,” he said.

(On the part of the MMDA, we were tasked by the President to take the lead in managing traffic, making plans, and how to minimize the effect on motorists and commuters.)

“Hindi lamang po sa EDSA, kung hindi sa buong Metro Manila. Dahil alam naman po natin major artery ito, magsasara tayo ng lane, mababawasan 'yung capacity na EDSA. So pinagpaplanuhan po natin 'yan 'yung alternate routes and all,” he added.

(Not only on EDSA, but in the entire Metro Manila. Because we know this is a major artery, we will close a lane, the capacity of EDSA will be reduced. So we are planning for that, alternate routes and all.)

On behalf of the Metro Manila mayors, Pateros Mayor Ike Ponce expressed commitment in helping the agencies to reduce possible heavy traffic during the EDSA rehabilitation.

“Committed tayo na tulungan sila. Hindi lamang sa pagpapaliwanag sa ating mga kababayan dito sa Metro Manila, kung hindi sa pagrerekumenda rin, pagsusulong ng mga additional na mga polisiya na pwede nating mai-suggest sa kanila,” Ponce said.

(We are committed to helping them. Not only by explaining to our constituents here in Metro Manila, but also by recommending, pushing additional policies that we can suggest to them.)

According to the DPWH, the EDSA rehab will start within April.—AOL, GMA Integrated News