C5 Flyover Repairs Stall Traffic Over Undas Weekend

Motorists in Metro Manila endured a jam-packed long weekend as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) carried out retrofitting works on two major C5 flyovers. The disruption, which coincided with the traditional Undas (All Saints' Day) observances, forced commuters to navigate snarls that stretched across key arteries, especially along EDSA where traffic restrictions were also eased. In the ANC 24/7 report aired on 2 November 2026, footage showed bumper‑to‑bumper queues and frustrated drivers, underscoring how infrastructure maintenance can ripple through daily life, especially during culturally significant holidays when families travel to pay respects to their departed loved ones.

Scope of the Flyover Retrofits

The DPWH announced that retrofitting works targeted two C5 flyovers, though the video did not specify their exact locations. Retrofits typically involve strengthening structural components, reinforcing columns, and applying protective coatings to extend the lifespan of aging bridges. In this instance, the department deemed the works urgent enough to proceed despite the impending Undas weekend, a period when many Filipinos travel to provincial hometowns for family gatherings.

According to the ANC footage, the DPWH initially closed several lanes on each flyover, prompting a cascade of traffic buildup on adjacent roads. The agency later reopened some lanes, a move captured in the video as workers lifted barriers and directed vehicles back onto the restored sections. The partial reopening was meant to alleviate the worst of the congestion while allowing crews to continue essential repairs in the remaining closed lanes.

While the report did not detail the technical specifications of the retrofitting, it highlighted the DPWH's commitment to maintaining the safety of critical infrastructure. Such works are part of a broader national effort to modernize aging bridges and flyovers that date back to the 1990s, many of which have shown signs of wear and fatigue.

Impact on Commuters During Undas

The timing of the repairs intersected with Undas, a holiday when Filipinos traditionally travel to their hometowns or barangays to honor ancestors. This cultural practice often triggers a surge in road traffic, especially on major thoroughfares like the C5 and EDSA. The ANC video showed long queues forming at the entrance of the flyovers, with drivers expressing concern over delayed arrival times for family gatherings.

Local commuters recounted how the jam forced them to alter travel plans, some opting to leave earlier or take alternative routes through secondary roads. The report noted that the DPWH's decision to reopen some lanes was a response to the mounting pressure from motorists, aiming to restore a modicum of flow while still safeguarding the integrity of the retrofit work.

Beyond the immediate inconvenience, the traffic snarls had a ripple effect on small businesses near the flyover exits. Vendors at sari‑sari stores and street food stalls reported slower foot traffic as motorists were stuck on the road, underscoring how infrastructure projects can indirectly affect the livelihoods of ordinary Filipinos.

Traffic Management Along EDSA

In addition to the flyover closures, the report highlighted that authorities were easing traffic restrictions along EDSA, Manila's main north‑south artery. The easing involved adjusting lane allocations and possibly allowing additional public utility vehicles (PUVs) to operate, though the video did not detail the exact measures.

EDSA, which already experiences chronic congestion, became a pressure valve for drivers diverted from the C5 flyovers. The ANC footage captured a steady stream of cars merging onto EDSA, creating new bottlenecks at major intersections. Traffic enforcers were seen directing vehicles, a reminder of the ongoing coordination between the Department of Public Works and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in managing road incidents.

While the easing of restrictions offered some relief, the report suggested that the combined effect of the flyover retrofits and the Undas travel surge still left many commuters stuck for hours. The situation prompted calls from barangay officials for better communication of roadwork schedules, especially during holidays when travel patterns shift dramatically.

Government Response and Communication

The ANC segment noted that the DPWH communicated the retrofitting schedule through official channels, though the video did not specify the platforms used. In past instances, the department has relied on press releases, social media updates, and coordination with local government units (LGUs) to inform the public.

Community leaders in affected barangays expressed a desire for more advance notice, emphasizing that early warnings could help families plan alternative routes and avoid unnecessary delays during important cultural observances. The report hinted at a broader dialogue between the DPWH and LGUs to improve the timing of future projects.

Beyond the DPWH, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the PNP were also implicated in managing the traffic flow. Their joint efforts aimed to balance the need for essential infrastructure upgrades with the public's right to mobility, a delicate act that often draws scrutiny from commuters and civil society alike.

Human Impact on Ordinary Filipinos

For many Filipinos, the Undas weekend is a time of reflection, prayer, and reunion with extended family. The added stress of traffic jams can turn a solemn pilgrimage into a grueling ordeal. In the video, several motorists shared personal anecdotes about missing family gatherings or arriving late to cemeteries, illustrating how roadwork can affect not just schedules but emotional well‑being.

The report also captured the spirit of bayanihan as some drivers offered rides to stranded passengers, while others turned on their radios to play uplifting OPM songs, trying to lighten the mood amid the gridlock. These moments of solidarity highlight the resilience of Filipino commuters, who often turn adversity into an opportunity to help one another.

Moreover, the traffic snarls had indirect health implications. Prolonged idling contributed to higher emissions, affecting air quality in densely populated areas. While the video did not quantify the environmental impact, the visual of exhaust plumes lingering over the flyover underscored a hidden cost of roadwork that extends beyond mere inconvenience.

Looking Ahead: Lessons for Future Projects

The ANC coverage of the C5 flyover retrofits serves as a case study for how infrastructure maintenance can be better synchronized with cultural calendars. Experts suggest that scheduling major works during less busy periods—such as the off‑season for travel—could mitigate the impact on commuters.

Additionally, the partial reopening of lanes demonstrated a flexible approach that can be refined. Real‑time traffic monitoring, perhaps through integrated GPS data from public utility vehicles and private cars, could enable authorities to adjust lane allocations dynamically, easing congestion as conditions evolve.

Finally, the episode underscores the importance of transparent communication. By providing clear, early notices through barangay announcements, local radio, and social media, the DPWH can empower citizens to plan ahead, reducing frustration and fostering trust. As the nation continues to upgrade its aging infrastructure, balancing technical necessity with the lived realities of ordinary Filipinos will remain a central challenge—one that demands both engineering expertise and a compassionate understanding of the community's needs.

By Bella Reyes, Staff Writer

This article was produced with AI-assisted research and editorial support. Reporting is based on the source material cited below. Sources: ANC 24/7 video report (02 November 2026); ANC 24/7; Global1.News