The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has announced temporary lane closures and traffic rerouting along EDSA, particularly in the North Avenue and South Avenue in Quezon City. Effective February 1, 2026, the move aims to reorganize traffic flow as construction activities for the Metro Rail Transit Line 7 (MRT-7) enter another critical phase.
The MMDA, together with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the local government of Quezon City, said the temporary closures are necessary to accommodate girder launching activities that will connect the MRT-7 North EDSA turnback track along West Avenue. The works involve heavy equipment to lift and install sections of a steel superstructure, necessitating strict safety measures for motorists and construction workers.
In more detail, the lane closures will be implemented from 10:00 PM to 4:00 AM to minimize disruption to daytime traffic. Portions of the outermost lanes on the northbound side of EDSA and the innermost lanes on the southbound side will initially be affected, serving as sites for the installation of tower support systems required for the girder launching works.
MMDA Chairman Atty. Don Artes said traffic enforcers from the MMDA and the Quezon City government, along with traffic marshals from DOTr’s private contractor, will be deployed to manage traffic flow. Moreover, traffic signage is being installed to guide motorists through the affected areas. While minimal traffic impact is expected during partial nighttime closures, Chairman Artes cautioned that full closures could lead to heavier congestion during scheduled construction activities.
The lane closures will follow a detailed schedule. Northbound lanes of EDSA will undergo full nighttime closures from February 1 to 10, 2026, for the installation of Tower Support No. 2, followed by the lifting of Module 4.1 from February 11 to 21, 2026. Southbound lanes will be affected from February 22 to 26, 2026, for the installation of Tower Support No. 3, and again from March 11 to 23 for the lifting of Module 5.0.
The intersection of EDSA and West Avenue will be fully closed from March 24 to April 20, 2026, for the lifting of Modules 6, 7, and 8, although mainline EDSA traffic will remain open during this period. Dismantling of tower supports and road restoration works are scheduled from April 29 to May 19, 2026, with northbound lanes reopening on May 8, 202,6 and southbound lanes on May 18, 2026.
Motorists are advised to use designated alternate routes and plan their trips accordingly as construction progresses. As of December 2025, NRT-7 is 82.01% complete, with full commercial operations across the Quezon City segment set to begin by the first half of 2027.
Autocar’s Take
The MMDA’s detailed traffic management plan for the MRT-7 girder launching along EDSA demonstrates a more disciplined approach to handling major infrastructure works in Metro Manila. By limiting lane closures to nighttime hours and detailing a step-by-step construction schedule, motorists are provided with a clearer picture of what to expect in the coming months, leading to MTR-7’s full operation by 2027.
While congestion during full closures is unavoidable, MMDA’s early disclosure of opening dates and alternate routes helps reduce uncertainty for daily commuters. The real test now lies in consistent on-the-ground enforcement and timely public advisories as construction continues.
