Portions of Roxas Boulevard to be closed to traffic

MANILA, Philippines - Portions of the southbound lane of Roxas Boulevard will be closed to traffic from Feb. 23 to March 1 for the Shell Eco-marathon (SEM) Asia 2015.

In an advisory, event organizers said Katigbak Drive to T. M. Kalaw would be closed to traffic. 

“Motorists are advised to take alternate routes during said dates,” the organizers said in a statement.

Manila police’s traffic unit said heavy vehicles from Port Area intending to pass through the southbound lane of Roxas Boulevard should turn left to P. Burgos, right to Ma. Orosa street and right to T.M. Kalaw.

Light vehicles may pass through one of the northbound lanes of the boulevard, which will be opened for traffic counterflow.

Organizers described the event as a competition of environment-friendly cars invented by engineering students from all over the region.

“Over 1,000 delegates and visitors from abroad will arrive in the country and over 40,000 are expected to witness the event,” they said, adding the event drew 33,000 visitors last year.

The organizers said a portion of Rizal Park would be closed  to give way to the construction of a special racetrack, a stadium and the event grounds.

Caloocan traffic advisory

Meanwhile, motorists and commuters are advised to expect heavy traffic on Feb. 18 and 19 in Monumento, Caloocan City for the Chinese New Year celebration.

The event, which includes a countdown concert and fireworks display, is part of the city’s 53rd founding anniversary celebration.

Starting 12:01 a.m. of Feb. 18, the stretch of Rizal Avenue and the EDSA wing of Bonifacio Circle will be closed to traffic for the construction of a stage.

The northbound lanes of EDSA and Rizal Avenue and both lanes of MacArthur Highway and Samson Road will remain open to vehicles.

The southbound lanes of Rizal Avenue and EDSA will be closed up to B. Serrano street.

Motorists may take detour routes and follow signage and traffic enforcers who will be re-directing traffic to side streets.

EDSA Monumento and Rizal Avenue will reopen at 7 p.m. of Feb. 19. – With Rey Galupo