MMDA implements moratorium on road works during holiday season

MANILA, Philippines – The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Monday started imposing a moratorium on road constructions in major streets in Metro Manila to avoid traffic congestion over the holidays.

The three-week temporary stoppage of road diggings and excavations will begin from the midnight of December 14 until January 3 next year.

“In anticipation of a projected increase in the volume of vehicles and pedestrians with the onset of the Yuletide season, all excavation activities in Metro Manila’s road right of way (national and city roads), such as road re-blocking works, pipe laying, road upgrading and all other excavaton works that will cause obstruction or will affect the smooth flow of traffic, including alternate routes identified by the MMDA, are hereby ordered to be suspended effective midnight of Monday, Dec. 14, 2015 up to midnight of Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016. Please be guided accordingly,” the MMDA advisory read.

MMDA Chair Emerson Carlos said there will be exemptions to the moratorium including the flagship projects of the national government such as the Ninoy Aquino International (NAIA) Airport Expressway project and the Skyway project 3. Road works that do not obstruct or block vehicular traffic are also exempted from the moratorium.

Carlos said the Department of Public Works and Highways already implemented a self-moratorium.

MMDA Traffic Engineering Center Director Noemi Recio said the moratorium covers road diggings of power and water utilities and 146 DPWH road projects.

Recio reminded the public that private contractors of the local government units who will violate the moratorium will be fined by the MMDA.

Meanwhile, Carlos advised the public to do Christmas shopping early or visit the nearest malls to avoid the holiday rush and traffic jams.

RELATED: MMDA to impose moratorium on road works for holidays