The DOTr (Department of Transportation) announced on Monday a comprehensive traffic management plan to mitigate the anticipated congestion from the upcoming EDSA rebuild, set to commence on June 13. Key measures include free toll access on certain sections of Skyway Stage 3 and the implementation of an odd-even scheme for private vehicles.
DOTr EDSA Rebuild – Initial Plans
The DOTr indicated that the free Skyway toll would likely take effect in July or August, coinciding with the “full blast” of the construction. While specific sections for the toll waiver remain undisclosed, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon emphasized the Skyway as the “best alternative” to EDSA. Dizon also revealed ongoing discussions with the Toll Regulatory Board to provide San Miguel Corporation with “some reprieve” for the lost revenue during the rehabilitation period.
Odd-Even Scheme Details and Dry Run
The proposed odd-even scheme, which will exempt Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS), is slated for a one-week dry run beginning June 16. The schedule for private vehicles is as follows:
- Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays: Plates ending in 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 are prohibited.
- Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays: Plates ending in 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 are prohibited.
- Sundays: All vehicles are permitted.
Additional Measures and Construction Timeline
To further ease the burden on commuters, the DOTr, in a Facebook post, outlined plans to add 100 more buses to the EDSA Busway and increase the number of trains operating on the MRT-3. The government is also exploring the possibility of dedicating a shared lane for motorcycles and bike riders.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), in a joint briefing with the DOTr, confirmed that preparatory works for the EDSA rehabilitation will begin on June 13, with excavation activities commencing approximately two weeks later.
Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced restricted window hours for trucks and buses, allowing them access to EDSA only between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.
EDSA, a critical thoroughfare in the capital region, currently handles over 464,000 motorists daily, significantly exceeding its estimated carrying capacity of 250,000 vehicles, according to 2024 data from the MMDA.
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