The DOTr’s push for active transport continues. A few days ago, a post on its official social media page shows the groundwork that they plan for one of, if not the busiest thoroughfares in Metro Manila, EDSA. A stretch along the main road will undergo construction and rehab works that aim to make bikers and pedestrians safe from the dangers of motorized vehicles.
DOTr wants to make active transport and keep pedestrians safe
In cooperation with the DPWH, and after getting the green light from the MMDA, the project will involve the stretch from Santolan all the way to Shaw Boulevard along EDSA. After a meeting at the MMDA HQ, the DOTr’s request to carry out a dry run was unanimously approved. This will include road configuration improvements and the widening of pedestrian walkways and protected bi-directional bike lanes.
The project as a whole is aimed at enhancing EDSA’s overall active transport infrastructure. What we can expect is the stretch from Santolan to Ortigas to Shaw will be “remodeled” or should the need arise, totally be reconstructed “to encourage private vehicle users to use non-motorized modes of transport, thereby improving traffic flow”.
Following the approval of the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 by President Marcos last December 16, 2022, the DOTr is maintaining its focus on executing and carrying out all the strategies that have been lined up. In the PDP 2023-2028, pedestrians and cyclists will be accorded the highest priority in the hierarchy of road users.
Traffic jams have been the bane of roadways for so long now. With all the plans lined up and the foundations and the groundwork being laid down, the DOTr and the rest of the national government believe that the only way that the EDSA traffic congestion as well as in other metropolitan areas in the country will be solved is through “building better and more” active transport and mass transportation systems.
Inevitably, this will lead to some obstructions while they are being constructed, but for the greater good, the majority will have to brace themselves and remember that this will help everyone in the future. So have at it, DOTr. Please do it right because you have a country with its eyes on you.
