MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and other concerned agencies on Monday announced the implementation of traffic management measures ahead of the EDSA Rebuild Project, which is scheduled to begin on June 13.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will spearhead the two-year rehabilitation project covering the stretch of EDSA from Pasay to Shaw Boulevard in both directions. 

The repair will use reinforced concrete to improve road durability and reduce long-term deterioration caused by heavy vehicular load. DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan said preparatory works would begin on June 13, with multiple contractors working simultaneously to speed up the process. 

Repairs will be done per lane, with each segment expected to be completed every two months, it said. 

To address the anticipated traffic congestion, MMDA Chairman Atty. Romando Artes said an odd-even scheme will be enforced along EDSA starting June 16, with a one-month dry run period.

Under the scheme, vehicles with license plates ending in odd numbers (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) are barred from EDSA on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, while those ending in even numbers (2, 4, 6, 8, 0) are restricted on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. 

The scheme will operate 24/7 on EDSA only, separate from the existing number coding scheme in Metro Manila.

“No tickets or fines will be issued during the dry run,” Artes clarified, adding that motorists who violate the policy will be advised accordingly as part of the government’s information drive. 

The MMDA urged the public to cooperate during the dry run to help gather traffic data and evaluate the efficiency of the scheme amid the EDSA rebuild.

“With the enforcement of the odd-even scheme, we are expecting a 40% reduction of vehicles along EDSA,” said Artes.

Other mitigation measures include:

Banning provincial buses, trucks carrying perishable goods, garbage, and aviation fuel from traversing EDSA from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. These vehicles may only use EDSA between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.

Removal of bike lane separators to accommodate additional lanes. The MMDA is set to consult cycling groups and motorcycle stakeholders to explore possible lane sharing and to establish exclusive motorcycle lanes, as motorcycles will be restricted from using flyovers and underpasses.

Clearing alternate routes and Mabuhay lanes of illegally parked vehicles and obstructions.

Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon said the agency would add more units to the EDSA Bus Carousel and deploy additional MRT-3 trains to promote public transportation use. 

Discussions are also underway to waive toll fees on select segments of Skyway Stage 3 in coordination with the Toll Regulatory Board and San Miguel Corporation.