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Friday, March 29, 2024

MMDA to motorists: Brace for heavy traffic

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THE Metro Manila Development Authority on Thursday advised motorists and commuters to brace for heavy traffic in Manila beginning next week due to rehabilitation of two major bridges and one flyover in the city.

This, after the MMDA gave its go signal to the Department of Public Works and Highways to start the restoration of Old Sta. Mesa Bridge and repair works of Mabini Bridge and Nagtahan flyover, starting Sept. 15.

“The Old Sta. Mesa Bridge that connects San Juan and Manila cities will be closed for seven months,” MMDA general manager Jose Arturo Garcia Jr. told a press briefing. 

The bridge’s reconstruction is aimed at giving way to the construction of Skyway Stage 3 Project, an elevated expressway that will connect the cities of Makati and Quezon, the official explained.

“The bridge along N. Domingo Street has to be demolished so that barges that will carry equipment for the Skyway 3 Project can pass the waterway,” said Garcia.

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To guide affected motorists, the MMDA posted signages to inform them of the alternative routes they may take: F. Manalo Street or G. Araneta/Aurora Boulevard, Libiran, Boni Avenue, F. Blumentritt Avenue. 

More than 8,000 vehicles use the bridge daily.

Meanwhile, repair works for the Mabini Bridge and Nagtahan flyover will last for four months. 

The bridge and flyover’s reblocking works involve asphalt overlay and electrical works per lane for 120 days.  An average of 37,000 vehicles is traversing the area daily.    

Contractors are allowed to work only during night-time, from 11 pm to 5 am.

Garcia admitted that the projects would worsen traffic in Metro Manila, prodding them to intensify clearing operations on major thoroughfares and alternative routes (Mabuhay Lanes). 

The MMDA advised motorists and commuters residing in Manila to allot longer travel time going to their destination with the impending restoration of the two bridges this “ber” month period when traffic is heavy. 

To intensify their campaign against illegal parking, Garcia said they would declare designated alternate routes as “no parking zones.”

“No vehicle would be allowed to park on alternate roads during daytime,” said Garcia.

He warned that vehicle owners would receive citation ticket for illegal parking should they defy the 6 am to 9 pm “no parking rule.”

Edison Nebrija Jr., MMDA’s Task Force Special Operations chief, said they have started clearing illegally parked vehicles and other obstructions on designated alternative routes ahead of the scheduled bridge works.

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