EDSA Busway to Open to Private Vehicles for Two Weeks as Holiday Traffic Returns

 

The government will temporarily allow private motorists to use portions of the EDSA Busway between Cubao, Quezon City, and Mandaluyong for approximately two weeks as authorities manage the expected increase in traffic following the Undas holiday break.

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon said the temporary arrangement would take effect following the completion of concrete reblocking works along the southbound section of EDSA. Private vehicles will be permitted to use the designated busway lanes while asphalt paving continues and before concrete barriers are restored.

The decision was announced during a joint inspection with Public Works Secretary Giovanni Lopez, who confirmed that Phase 2 of the EDSA rehabilitation project had completed its concrete reblocking ahead of schedule.

The ₱4.009-billion rehabilitation initiative covers the section from the NEPA Q-Mart bus station to Boni Avenue. Officials said the earlier reopening was directed by President Marcos to reduce travel disruptions as students, employees and other commuters return to Metro Manila.

Dizon explained that the temporary access arrangement would remain until construction activities reach a stage where normal busway operations can resume.

Meanwhile, motorists using the C5 Santolan flyover in Pasig City will also benefit from the early completion of emergency structural rehabilitation.

The flyover's northbound lane reopened to traffic last night, while the southbound section was scheduled to become fully operational today. Construction teams took advantage of the four-day holiday period to conduct continuous retrofitting and structural strengthening works.

Lopez said the accelerated schedule was intended to complete essential safety improvements before the return of regular commuter traffic. He also acknowledged the inconvenience experienced by motorists during the weekend closures, emphasizing that the intervention was necessary to reinforce the structure.

Separately, emergency rehabilitation works on the Boni Serrano flyover have also been completed.

The simultaneous completion of these infrastructure projects reflects the government's effort to use periods of reduced traffic for critical road maintenance, allowing essential repairs to proceed while limiting their impact on everyday commuters.