The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced a series of temporary road and lane closures along EDSA North Avenue starting February 2026 to accommodate construction activities for the MRT-7 project, which is slated to begin operations in the first half of 2027.
According to the MMDA, full road closures will be enforced on specific dates and hours to allow the installation of massive steel box girders for the MRT-7 turnback section near North Avenue and West Avenue.
These closures will take place from February 1 to May 19, 2026, and from March 24 to April 29, between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m., affecting portions of North EDSA and West Avenue.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said the closures are critical to completing the final rail segment where trains will turn back.
“Ito pong gagawin natin ay kinakailangan po upang itong dulong segment ng MRT-7 mula po sa North avenue station papunta po dun sa West Avenue ay Maitayo. Ito po yung segment nung riles kung saan po magtu-turnback o kung saan po mag u-uturn ang tren,” said Transportation Undersecretary TJ Batan.
Three steel box girders weighing about 50 tons each will be installed, prompting safety-related closures. In addition, 24/7 partial lane closures will be implemented from February 1 to May 8 on the northbound side and from February 15 to May 18 on the southbound side of EDSA North Avenue.
MMDA Chairman Don Artes said full lane closures will only happen at night during lifting operations due to safety concerns.
“Habang ito ay kinakakabit at habang ito ay tinataas, ang girdle ay magkakaroon po ng full lane closure pero ito ay mula 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. lamang… Delikado po sa mga motorista yan kung papayagan pang dumaan habang tinataas yan dahil napakabigat po niyan pag bumagsak yan,” Artes said.
The MMDA acknowledged the traffic impact but noted that full closures are scheduled during off-peak hours.
Authorities are coordinating with the Quezon City government, requiring contractors to deploy traffic marshals, install proper signage, and provide alternate routes. Buses on the EDSA Busway will also be rerouted around affected areas.
“Yung sa portion na yan na pagtatayuan ng tower, lalabas sila eh. Kung makikita niyo yung tower nakatayo mismo sa bus lane so lalabas sila diyan sa portion tapos babalik sila after ng tower,” Artes said.
“From time to time pag dumarating yung bus ay itiitigil siguro natin yung traffic dun para makalabas yung bus. The same dun sa kabilang side,” he added.
The DOTr earlier said MRT-7 remains on track for partial operations in the first half of 2027.