Cubao underpass closed for repair work

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will close both lanes of the Cubao underpass in Quezon City to traffic starting at 10 p.m. tonight to give way for an asphalt overlay of the roadway.

Both the south and northbound lanes will be reopened to traffic at 5 a.m. tomorrow but the MMDA also asked motorists and commuters to expect a "not-so-smooth ride."

MMDA assistant general manager Cora Cruz issued a statement yesterday appealing to the public for patience over the inconvenience.

"All lanes of the passageway will be reopened to traffic but motorists can expect a not-so-smooth ride because the roadway had been scraped by that time preparatory to asphalt to overlay which shall resume at 8 p.m. on the same day (Saturday)," Cruz said.

Cruz advised motorists and commuters to avoid the area and take alternative routes.

"By Sunday, asphalt overlay and drying would have been completed and both northbound and southbound portions of the underpass will be reopened to traffic," she said.

Motorists heading north are advised to take C-5 Road, Mother Ignacia, Broadway in Quezon City, Mandaluyong and Makati Bridge.

Those heading south should take North Avenue, East Avenue, Ramon Magsaysay area, Aurora Boulevard, West Avenue and Monte de Piedad in Quezon City.

The MMDA has earlier closed the underpass’ southbound lane last weekend to enable maintenance crews to place concrete blocks to keep vehicles in line to help maintain smooth traffic flow.

Work was also done on a weekend to avoid creating a monstrous traffic jam.