Motorists are called to plan their routes accordingly as the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announces the partial closure of the EDSA-Kamuning flyover starting April 25. For 11 months, the flyover on the busiest highway in Metro Manila will be inaccessible.
The Southbound lanes of the EDSA-Kamuning flyover will be closed for retrofitting by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to strengthen the bridge further. This is in preparation for the “Big One,” an impending earthquake that could reportedly strike the West Valley Fault, spanning through six Metro Manila cities (Quezon, Marikina, Pasig, Makati, Paraรฑaque, and Taguig). This project is set to have four different phases, each lasting 12 weeks, during which 1.5 lanes will be closed off at a time.
In line with this, the MMDA assured the public that necessary traffic management would be implemented upon its commencement. “We will coordinate with the Quezon City local government unit, DPWH, Quezon City Police District, Highway Patrol Group, and the barangay to manage the traffic,” MMDA Acting Chairman Atty. Don Artes said in a press conference. Mabuhay Lanes are said to be utilized, as well, as alternate routes amid the EDSA-Kamuning flyover rehabilitation.
“The re-decking of the flyover cannot be deferred,” Artes emphasized, in order to prevent more damage and ensure structural integrity for potential disasters. In addition to this, the agency’s clearing operations in areas within the vicinity will be intensified “to make sure that roads serving as alternate routes are clear and obstruction-free to minimize the effects of the repairs in traffic.”
What are your thoughts on this? Tell us in the comments.