MMDA: Expect gridlocks on EDSA due to reblocking

MANILA, Philippines - Motorists should brace for traffic jams along some parts of EDSA in Makati, Caloocan and Mandaluyong as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will work on reblocking and repairs starting tonight, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said yesterday.

In an advisory, the MMDA said road works will start at around 10 p.m. and will end on Monday at 5 a.m.

The MMDA said the following sections of EDSA will be affected: between Boni Avenue and Guadalupe Bridge (southbound) in Mandaluyong City; between Guadalupe Bridge and South Drive (southbound, fifth lane) in Makati City; and between Don Ang street and Gen. Tinio street (northbound, fifth lane) in Caloocan City.

The MMDA advised motorists to use alternate routes to avoid these areas.

All roads will be fully passable by Monday morning, the MMDA said.

400 traffic aides needed

MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino also said the agency plans to hire 400 traffic aides to assist 2,000 traffic enforcers with the traffic jams expected to be caused by 15 major infrastructure projects across the metropolis.

Of the 15 projects, construction has started on the Skyway 3 and NAIA Expressway Phase 2 projects. The rest of the projects will soon start construction, with the completion date slated for 2016.

Tolentino said those interested to join the MMDA as traffic aides must have finished at least the second year of college education and must be willing to work at odd hours for the next two and a half years.

He added that the agency will ask for more funds to hire the additional traffic aides. The MMDA has so far received 60 applications, some from women, for the job.