PRIVATE vehicles remain barred from using the EDSA Busway, with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) reiterating that the lane is exclusively for buses following the reopening of road sections affected by weekend repairs.
The DPWH issued the reminder Monday as several northbound portions of EDSA that underwent reblocking over the weekend were reopened to traffic at 5 a.m.
These include sections along EDSA-Ortigas, the EDSA-White Plains Avenue intersection, and the stretch in front of SM Megamall.
The asphalt overlay works along the southbound portion of EDSA in Caloocan City have also been completed.
The agency assured motorists that traffic management along EDSA is being coordinated with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to minimize congestion and inconvenience.
Public Works Secretary Giovanni Lopez said the reopening of the repaired sections and traffic management measures are in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive to ensure that road rehabilitation works cause as little disruption as possible to commuters and motorists.
Lopez's clarification follows the Nov. 2 announcement by Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon that private vehicles would temporarily be allowed to use portions of the southbound EDSA Busway, from Nepa Q-Mart in Cubao to the Boni Avenue area, while rehabilitation and asphalt-overlay works were ongoing.
The temporary arrangement was initially announced to last about two weeks, or until the roadworks were completed.
However, the DPWH subsequently clarified that the busway itself would remain exclusive to buses.
Private vehicles were allowed to use the regular southbound lanes, particularly Lanes 1 to 4, along the affected stretch from Nepa Q-Mart to Guadalupe.
The clarification came amid public concern over the possible impact of opening the dedicated bus lane to private vehicles, with the Management Association of the Philippines opposing the move and calling for stronger support for public transportation.
The EDSA rehabilitation program aims to improve road quality and traffic safety along the capital’s main transport artery.
Phase 2 is expected to complete the remaining stretch of the highway, with the DPWH under pressure to ensure that the upgraded pavement, drainage and sidewalks withstand heavy traffic and severe weather.
Phase 1 was completed on April 6, nearly two months ahead of its original May 31 deadline. The work covered the section from Roxas Boulevard in Pasay City to Orense Street in Makati City.
The second phase will cover a longer stretch of the highway from Orense to Monumento in Caloocan City, traversing some of the busiest commercial and residential districts in Metro Manila.
Stretching 23.8 kilometers, EDSA remains the metropolis’ longest and busiest highway, cutting across six cities — Caloocan, Quezon City, San Juan, Mandaluyong, Makati and Pasay.
