MANILA, Philippines – After receiving the go signal from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Jan. 24, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) bared its plans for road configuration improvement, pedestrian walkways widening, and bi-directional bike lanes establishment for the dry run of the improved Active Transport Project along EDSA.
The said project is part of DOTr’s Active Transport Infrastructure Improvement Program in partnership with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
The dry run will affect infrastructures along EDSA, particularly Santolan, Ortigas, and Shaw.
DOTr Undersecretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure Mark Steven C. Pastor and Assistant Secretary for Planning and Project Development Leonel Cray P. De Velez led the presentation of the plans and the corresponding multi-sectoral benefits these will bring about.
MMDA General Manager Ret. P/Col. Procopio G. Lipana and Assistant General Manager for Operations Atty. Victor Pablo C. Trinidad then unanimously approved DOTr’s request to carry out the said dry run after the discussion.
The DOTr said that another goal of the project, aside from improving the safety and comfort of pedestrians and bike lane users, is to encourage private vehicle users to use non-motorized modes of transport, thereby improving traffic flow.
According to the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, pedestrians and cyclists will be accorded the highest priority in the hierarchy of road users.
Amid the worsening traffic congestion in the National Capital Region and in other urbanized areas in the country, the National Government believes that building better and more active transport and mass transportation systems is vital as private vehicle dependency is also lessened as a result.