The Metro Manila Development Authority has signed an agreement with the Quezon City government in connection with the establishment of alternate routes for Epifanio de los Santos Avenue in time for the Christmas season, when traffic is expected to be heavy.
Under the agreement, at least 30 main thoroughfares in the city were also identified as part of the Kalayaan Lanes, or alternate routes for private vehicles.
Among these roads are Amoranto Avenue, Balintawak Cloverleaf, Banawe Street, Biak na Bato, Congressional Avenue, Commonwealth Avenue, Circumferential Road -5 (C-5 Road), D. Tuazon Street, Dapitan Street, De Jesus Street, Del Monte Avenue, E. Rodriguez Avenue, Gilmore Avenue, Granada Street, Katipunan Avenue, Luzon Avenue, Maria Clara Street, Matimyas Street, Mayon Avenue, Mindanao Avenue, Quezon Avenue, Santolan Road, Sto. Domingo Avenue, Scout Magbanua, Scout Tobias, Timog Avenue, Tomas Morato Avenue, Visayas Avenue and West Avenue.
MMDA chairman Danilo Lim expressed optimism that the Kalayaan Lanes would help decongest some major roads in Metro Manila, particularly Edsa.
“We are very thankful to the Quezon City government for extending their support to ease traffic. We are asking the public to use these alternate routes for their own convenience,” he said.
The agreement states that the MMDA will identify Kalayaan Lanes that are within the territorial jurisdiction of Quezon City; provide sufficient traffic enforcers to execute traffic rules; coordinate with government agencies such as Land Transportation Office, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board and Philippine National Police for the effective implementation of the undertaking; and coordinate with the Local Government Units for its implementation.
The barangays in Quezon City, for its part, shall clear road obstructions and illegally parked vehicles in affected roads; support MMDA by providing traffic enforcers to assist in traffic management, such as Barangay Peace Keeping Security Officer and traffic aides; put up signages to guide motorists who will be using the Kalayaan Lanes; and enact barangay ordinances for effective implementation.
The Quezon City Government, meanwhile, shall support the MMDA and different barangays in the implementation of the Kalayaan Lanes by providing additional signages, and enacting ordinances for the effective implementation of its undertaking; assist in traffic management by providing for traffic enforcers from the Department of Public Order and Safety; coordinate with homeowners associations and different barangays for smooth implementation; and conduct an information campaign to inform the public of the implementation of Kalayaan Lanes.
The special lanes in Quezon City form part of the 21 alternate routes designated in Metro Manila to help private motorists avoid heavy traffic during the holiday rush.
Private motorists can also use the 21 Lanes on their way to various commercial centers in Metro Manila.
MMDA assistant general manager for planning Jose Arturo Garcia Jr. said barangay officials must clear the Lanes of obstructions such as basketball courts, videokes, illegally parked vehicles and even small eateries and canteens.
