Metro Manila, Philippines – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has temporarily suspended road construction works nationwide to give way for travelers during the Holy Week break.
Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon on Tuesday, March 31, said the directive has been issued to district engineers and regional offices to prevent implementing a one-way traffic scheme in major thoroughfares, including the Maharlika Highway.
“Pagka nag-one way, stop and go, lalo Holy Week, minsan kilometro ang haba ng traffic diyan. Dahil do’n grabe na konsumo sa gasolina at oras na madagdag sa byahe,” Dizon said in a news conference.
[Translation: Once a one-way or stop and go traffic scheme is implemented, especially during Holy Week, kilometers-long traffic will build up, resulting in more fuel consumption and longer travel time.]
Road works will resume on April 6, including the major rehabilitation of the Maharlika Highway.
He said critical segments and traffic-prone areas in Maharlika, including the intersection in Gumaca, Quezon, have been prioritized.
Meanwhile, the DPWH said the 24/7 rehabilitation work on EDSA, particularly its phase one stretching from Orense to Roxas Blvd., will begin from 10 p.m. on Wednesday, April 1, to 4 a.m. on Monday, April 6.
“‘Yong EDSA rehab talagang paspasan natin lalo ngayon. Kakaunti naman ang mga vehicles sa Metro Manila pag-start ng Holy Week,” Dizon said.
[Translation: We will fast-track the EDSA rehab, especially now, since there are fewer vehicles in Metro Manila at the start of the Holy Week.]
Road clearing ops
Meanwhile, Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said road clearing operations will also begin on Wednesday.
He said the activity, to be done with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, will remove obstruction on highways and expressways.
“‘Yong nakikita na natin usually na naka-park na mga sasakyan sa bangketa, tatanggalin yan. Di parkingan ang bangketa sa highway, napakadelikado niyan,” Lopez said.
[Translation: The vehicles we usually see parked on the sidewalk will be removed. The sidewalk on the highway is not a parking space, that is very dangerous.]
PNP chief PGen Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the police will coordinate with barangay authorities.
“Ultimo sa mga school, pinagbabawal na ‘yong mga bakal na nakalagay sa kalsada
kasi maraming nadidisgrasya diyan,” Nartatez said.
[Translation: It is now prohibited to put up metal barriers in roads near schools because it can cause accidents.]
The PNP also encouraged the public to call 911 if there are obstruction or other hindrances in travel, as well as emergencies.
