The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has announced a suspension of all infrastructure works requiring road right-of-way excavation from November 18 to December 25 to mitigate traffic congestion during the holiday season. MMDA Chair Don Artes emphasized the need for remedial measures, as vehicle volume in Metro Manila is expected to rise significantly during this period.
The suspension will cover various projects, including road reblocking, pipe-laying, and upgrades, which could disrupt traffic flow. However, certain essential projects—such as bridge repairs and emergency leak repairs—will be exempt from this moratorium. The decision was made after a collaborative meeting with stakeholders, including representatives from major shopping malls and utility companies, all of whom supported the traffic management initiatives.
In addition to the suspension of roadworks, the MMDA is implementing other traffic alleviation measures, such as adjusting mall hours and extending public transport operating times. Recent data indicated that an average of 421,000 vehicles traveled along major routes like EDSA as of late September, underscoring the urgency of these measures to ensure smoother travel during the holiday rush.
