'Expect traffic jams upon start of QC interchange project construction'

MANILA, Philippines -  Motorists should expect traffic jams along Araneta and Quezon Avenues once the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) starts construction an underpass within the month.

In a statement issued Monday, the DPWH said the underpass is part of the P430-million C3 Road-Quezon Avenue interchange project.

DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson said the underpass will “speed up traffic flow and reduce pollution load by lessening gas emissions during traffic gridlock.”

According to a detailed description of the project, the four-lane underpass along Quezon Avenue will cross Araneta Avenue. Submersible pumps will also be installed to manage flooding and reinforced concrete box and pipe culverts will be constructed.

Once completed, the underpass is expected to help decongest traffic along EDSA and nearby major thoroughfares, also includes the widening of Mariblo Bridge along Quezon Avenue and improvement of service roads and approaches of the intersection.

The construction of the underpass is expected to take 450 calendar days.

The DPWH advised motorists to take alternate routes identified by its Urban Roads Project Office, the Quezon City government and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority.

The complete list of alternative routes can be viewed at DPWH’s website, www.dpwh.gov.ph.