MMDA suspends non-emergency roadworks amid holidays

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has imposed a nearly two-month moratorium on road excavation activities across Metro Manila to mitigate traffic congestion during the holiday season.

The restriction took effect at midnight on 1 November and will remain in place until midnight on 23 December, halting non-critical digging and roadwork across the capital region.

Under MMDA Memorandum Circular No. 20, several government infrastructure projects and essential utility repairs are exempt from the suspension.

Exemptions include flagship government projects, Department of Public Works and Highways bridge construction and retrofitting, flood interceptor catchment installations, sidewalk improvements, and asphalt overlaying that does not require road reblocking.

The agency also permitted ongoing sidewalk drainage works that do not encroach on vehicle lanes, footbridge construction, and emergency pipeline repairs by concessionaires Manila Water Co. and Maynilad Water Services Inc.

New residential or commercial utility connections, non-excavation road maintenance, and Meralco pole relocations affecting key infrastructure projects may also continue.

Other contractors seeking exemptions must submit formal applications to the MMDA for evaluation.