MMDA, DPWH agree: No more EDSA reblocking on weekends

MANILA, Philippines - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on Tuesday agreed to finish all reblocking work on EDSA over the Holy Week.

MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino told reporters that instead of conducting reblocking and road works on an "installment" basis during weekends, the DPWH has to complete all roadworks on EDSA over the Holy Week when traffic on Metro's major artery is light.

"It will be a one-time re-blocking this Holy Week. This will be short term pain, long term gain," said Tolentino

Tolentino met with DPWH-National Capital Region director Reynaldo Tagudando at the MMDA office in Makati City.

According to Tagudando, the reblocking of EDSA from the Roxas Boulevard section in Pasay City to Monumento in Caloocan City will be done round the clock.

"We will conduct reblocking 24/7 so that we can finish it during the Holy Week," he said.

Tagudando said the repair of EDSA's northbound lane will start from Holy Tuesday until Good Friday while work on the southbound lane will start from Good Friday until Easter Sunday.

According to the DPWH-NCR, at least 80,775 square meters of EDSA still needs to be reblocked.

After the Holy Week, Tolentino said no more road works on EDSA will be allowed.