Call to Postpone Full EDSA Rehabilitation
Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito has called on officials to reconsider the timing of the full rehabilitation of EDSA, warning that rushing this major project could create a “hellish” traffic situation that might hinder the country’s economic progress. The senator stresses the importance of carefully assessing the impact before moving forward with the Metro Manila main artery’s overhaul.
Ejercito suggested that authorities first complete the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) and the Metro Manila Subway System before embarking on the full EDSA rehabilitation project. “I am just wondering if the departments and agencies concerned did an economic impact assessment on the total EDSA rehabilitation. Might be more detrimental than beneficial in the short term,” he said in a statement dated May 31.
Prioritizing Railway Projects to Ease Traffic
“My proposal is to do the total EDSA rehabilitation project once the North-South Commuter Line and the Metro Manila Subway System are operational already,” Ejercito added. He explained that having these two railway systems running first would ease the movement of commuters and potentially reduce the number of cars on the road.
According to transportation officials, the 147-kilometer NSCR will connect Malolos City in Bulacan province to Clark International Airport in Pampanga, Tutuban in Manila, and Calamba City in Laguna. Partial operations might begin as early as 2027, but full operations could be delayed by four years or more.
Concerns Over Traffic Worsening With Current Policies
The senator also warned of worsening traffic conditions due to the reimplementation of the No Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP) and the revival of the odd-even vehicle scheme. “With the current situation, with the volume of cars and motorcycles being banned on overpasses and underpasses, NCAP initial implementation, these are ingredients for a hellish situation in the Metro,” Ejercito cautioned.
He urged government agencies to thoroughly evaluate the short-term effects of these combined policies alongside the EDSA rehabilitation to avoid severe congestion that could disrupt economic activities.
Looking Ahead: Coordinated Infrastructure Planning
Local experts suggest that a coordinated approach, prioritizing the completion of mass transit systems before large-scale road rehabilitation, could provide smoother traffic flow and better commuter experience. This strategy may help ease Metro Manila’s notorious congestion while supporting sustainable urban growth.
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