DPWH identifies alternate roads for EDSA repair

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) yesterday said it has identified 52 alternate roads, which will be opened to motorists a month before the start of the scheduled EDSA rehabilitation in May.

DPWH-Urban Road Project Office Engineer Roy Cruz said the alternative routes have been “approved in principle” by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Regional Development Council (RDC).

Cruz, who has been designated as the project coordinator, said he will meet with MMDA and RDC officials tomorrow to discuss details of the traffic management once they begin the EDSA repair.

They will also meet with Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista, who chairs the Metro Manila Council (MMC’s) special transportation committee, on Feb. 14.  

Among the roadways that are being considered as alternative routes are C-5 Road, Maysilo Circle in Mandaluyong City, F. Manalo street in San Juan and G. Araneta Avenue in Quezon City.

Meanwhile, Cagayan Rep. Jack Enrile yesterday urged the public to cooperate in the massive rehabilitation of EDSA, saying the project has long term benefits for the economy.

“We have to sacrifice a little. The MMDA and the DPWH are trying their best to lessen the inconvenience of this road project,” Enrile said.

“We have no choice but to go through this inconvenience and eventually be rewarded in the future by better roads,” he added.        – Evelyn Macairan, Paolo Romero