MMDA suspends road works, delays mall openings for holidays

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced on Wednesday that all road right-of-way excavation works will be suspended from November 18 to December 25 to address holiday traffic congestion.

Chair Don Artes stated these measures include halting road reblocking, pipe-laying, and other excavations that could disrupt traffic flow during the holidays, while government flagship projects such as bridge repairs and emergency leak fixes remain exempted.

Shopping mall operators in Metro Manila will begin their operations by 11 a.m., an hour later than usual, starting November 18 up to December 25, with deliveries restricted to nighttime hours except for perishable goods.

The MMDA also ordered all 131 malls to submit traffic management plans two weeks before promotional events and encouraged extended mall operating hours to accommodate late-night commuters and employees.

Other traffic alleviation measures include extending public transport operating hours and limiting mall-wide sales announcements during the holiday period, with support from stakeholders including DPWH, shopping mall operators, water, electricity, and telecommunications companies.