MANILA, Philippines – The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), in coordination with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr), is set to implement comprehensive traffic management and mitigation strategies ahead of the two-year EDSA Rebuild Project, which officially begins on June 13.
At the center of these efforts is the enforcement of a 24/7 odd-even traffic scheme along EDSA, starting with a dry run on June 16.
MMDA Chairman Atty. Romando Artes announced the measure during a joint press briefing with DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan and DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon held at the MMDA Communications and Command Center.
Under the odd-even scheme:
- Vehicles with plate numbers ending in odd digits (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) are prohibited from using EDSA on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
- Vehicles with even-numbered plates (2, 4, 6, 8, 0) cannot travel on EDSA on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
- The scheme will be in effect 24 hours a day and will apply only to EDSA.
- There will be no coding on Sundays.
- Regular number coding will continue to apply on other major roads in Metro Manila.
“With the enforcement of the odd-even scheme, we are expecting a 40% reduction of vehicles along EDSA,” said Artes, adding that this is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to avoid a traffic “carmageddon” during the rebuild.
Other traffic mitigation measures include:
- Truck and Bus Restrictions: Provincial buses, trucks carrying perishable goods, garbage trucks, and aviation fuel delivery trucks will only be allowed on EDSA between 10:00 PM and 5:00 AM. They are banned from using the road during daytime hours.
- Bike Lane Modifications: MMDA plans to remove bike lane separators and is in discussions with stakeholders—such as cycling and motorcycle groups—on potentially sharing bicycle lanes. The agency also aims to designate exclusive motorcycle lanes, as motorcycles will not be allowed on flyovers and underpasses.
- Clearing Alternate Routes: Identified alternate routes, including Mabuhay lanes, will be cleared of illegally parked vehicles and obstructions to improve flow.
- Public Transportation Enhancements: DOTr will increase the number of buses operating on the EDSA Bus Carousel, deploy additional trains on MRT-3, and waive toll fees on select segments of the Skyway Stage 3 in coordination with the Toll Regulatory Board and San Miguel Corporation.
The EDSA Rebuild Project, part of the administration’s Build Better More infrastructure program, aims to replace deteriorating asphalt pavement with reinforced concrete, ensuring greater durability against high traffic volume. According to Secretary Bonoan, the project will employ multiple contractors working simultaneously to expedite completion.
The rehabilitation will proceed lane by lane, beginning with the innermost (bus) lane in both directions, progressing outward. The Pasay to Shaw Boulevard stretch (northbound and southbound) will be prioritized, with each lane segment expected to be completed within two months.
This multi-agency initiative underscores the government’s commitment to balancing infrastructure development with mobility and safety for Metro Manila’s commuters.
— The Summit Express