Underground tunnel may solve EDSA traffic woes —solon

Pasig City Representative Roman Romulo believes that the construction of a tunnel under EDSA could help solve the perennial traffic problem hounding one of Metro Manila's busiest thoroughfares.

According to Romulo, the Philippines could also have its own version of the Malaysian-type Stormwater Management and Road Tunnel (SMART).

With four lanes and two decks, SMART is a 4-kilometer motorway and 9.7-kilometer flood control system in one.

"A Malaysian-type SMART underneath EDSA is another option that might help solve the horrendous vehicular congestion on EDSA,” Romulo said.

“We would urge the Department of Public Works and Highways to look into the feasibility of constructing under EDSA a dual-purpose channel patterned after Kuala Lumpur’s SMART,” he added.

When there is no rain, the tunnel could serve as a road for light motor vehicles, Romulo said.

The tunnel has two modes during the rainy season. First, when there is light rain, some floodwater may be diverted into the lower bypass channel, while motor vehicles could still use the upper section.

Second, during heavy rains, the upper deck will also be temporarily closed to all motor vehicles and automated water-tight gates are opened to divert floodwaters.

After the flood water has subsided, the tunnel is cleaned via pressure-washing, and the motorway will be opened again to traffic usually within 48 hours of closure.

The construction of an underground tunnel is one of the many proposals in the House of Representatives to reduce traffic along EDSA.

Samar Representative Edgar Mary Sarmiento, suggested to turn the innermost lanes of EDSA into express bus lanes which could be accessed through the stations of the Metro Rail Transit 3.

Caloocan City Representative Edgar Erice, meanwhile, proposed to prohibit private vehicles from plying EDSA during the morning and evening rush hours to make way for the commuting public. —KBK, GMA News