Marcos postpones EDSA rehab to 'find better way' in implementation
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has suspended the EDSA rehabilitation project to explore options that would ease the impact on commuters.
Marcos postponed the planned rebuilding during the launch of the Pamilya Pass 1+3 Promo for the MRT-3, LRT-1, and LRT-2 on June 1.
"Meron tayong nakita na makabagong teknolohiya na hindi natin ginamit doon sa pagplano ng EDSA rehabilitation. Kaya ininstruksyonan ko si (Department of Transportation) Sec. Vince Dizon at Sec. Manuel Bonoan ng (Department of Public Works and Highways), sinabi ko, pause muna sa rehabilitation," he said.
The EDSA rehab was set to begin with preparatory works by the evening of June 13. The public was warned to expect traffic obstruction and slowdown throughout the project, which was eyed to be completed by 2027.
"Bigyan natin ang sarili natin ng isang buwan, pag-aralan natin itong mga bagong teknolohiya, gumawa tayo ng magandang plano. Baka naman imbis na dalawang taon magawa natin sa anim na buwan, sa isang taon. We will find a better way na hindi masyado mahirap para sa ating commuter," Marcos said.
Following the announcement, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority canceled the odd-even scheme set for a dry run on June 16. The coding scheme for private vehicles plying EDSA was among the solutions the government planned to minimize traffic along the major thoroughfare.
"The postponement will give us time to look for other traffic mitigating options for the EDSA Rebuild which will be less than burdensome to motorists and commuting public," MMDA Chairman Atty. Don Artes said.
Existing number coding schemes will continue to be implemented.
The EDSA rehabilitation project aims to upgrade and reinforce the pavement of the highway, improve drainage systems in key sections, and lessen the ongoing issue with repeated road reblocking. (with reports from Helen Flores)
