The Department of Transportation (DOTr) began implementing a series of temporary road closures along North EDSA on Sunday night to facilitate critical construction milestones for the Metro Rail Transit Line 7 (MRT-7).
The closures affect the stretch between the Landmark-Trinoma area and the Unified Grand Central Station, where restrictions are necessary for turnback girder launching and the installation of temporary tower supports.
The activity is divided into two main phases. For northbound traffic heading toward Balintawak, two lanes will remain closed at all times from February 1 to May 8, with full road closures enforced nightly from 10:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. between February 11 and March 10.
For southbound traffic toward Cubao, two lanes will be closed from February 22 to May 18, with full nightly road closures scheduled from 10:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. between March 11 and March 23.
George Wilbur Colina, safety manager of ATAD Steel Structure Corp., stated that concrete barriers are being positioned to secure the site as crews install anchor bolts and tower supports.
These towers will temporarily hold the steel box girders in place until they are permanently connected to the structure.
Motorists are advised to brace for heavy congestion, as MRT consultant Sonny Banaag warned that traffic buildup typically begins as early as 5:00 a.m.
Drivers are urged to seek alternate routes to avoid the construction zone.
Public utility vehicle drivers and commuters have expressed concern over the adjustments, with some regular commuters noting that the lane reductions could increase travel times from North Avenue to Fairview from 40 minutes to over an hour during peak periods.
The MRT-7 project is currently 83 percent complete. Once finished, the 22-kilometer rail line will connect North Avenue in Quezon City to San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, featuring 14 stations.
Transportation officials expect the line to begin partial operations in the first half of 2027, aiming to significantly ease traffic congestion along Commonwealth Avenue and other major thoroughfares.