MMDA calls for closer coordination with DPWH to avert traffic gridlocks

MANILA, Philippines - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) called for closer coordination with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to avert any major traffic gridlocks as two major infrastructure projects go full swing.

“It is important that the DPWH coordinate with the MMDA. With proper coordination, the traffic situation could be managed,” said Crisanto Saruca, head of the MMDA’s Traffic Discipline Office.

MMDA Chair Francis Tolentino on Monday advised motorists to brace for traffic gridlocks as the Skyway 3 project and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Expressway Phase 2 go into full construction swing. The two projects are part of a total of 15 major infrastructure projects to be done across Metro Manila until 2016. The Skyway 3 project and the NAIA Expressway Phase 2 project started last February 17.

Saruca said that it would be most helpful if work on these projects continue even during weekends and holidays and even at night. He said that while the DPWH has assured that work on these projects would continue round-the-clock, construction work on these projects is not done by the DPWH but by contractors.

“Work is done through contractors. We just have to take the word of the DPWH,” Saruca said.

“For the past several months, we have not encountered major coordination problems with the DPWH. But it would be helpful if work could be done during weekends and at night,” he added.

During the MMDA Traffic Management Summit 2 held at the Asian Institute of Management last February, Tolentino appealed to the contractors of the 15 major infrastructure projects slated to be completed in 2016 to be accountable for the safety and traffic management concerns of their respective projects.

Tolentino said the MMDA is willing to train the contractors' flagmen on traffic management.

"Karamihan sa mga contractors, pag nagsimula ang projects ay bara-bara na. Hinihiling ko po sa mga contractors to be accountable enough. I-train namin ang flagmen n'yo sa traffic management. Pero wag nyo naman iiwan ang mga traffic enforcers ng Makati, Quezon City and Manila, pag nagkaroon ng problema, ay hindi na makita ang kanilang flagmen," he said.

Tolentino also stressed on the importance of keeping the project sites safe for pedestrians and convenient to motorists by providing alternate routes.

"Kailangan pagusapan ito at magbigay ng proper communication sa public. You need to provide safe walkways and alternative routes," he said.

Tolentino also earlier warned of the expected traffic congestion to be generated across Metro Manila by the 15 infrastructure projects once they all go full swing.

“We know that the events in the next two to six years can only turn ugly first better it can get better,” he said.

Tolentino called on Metro residents, commuters and motorists to be prepared to make lifestyle and commuting changes as the construction of the 15 major infrastructure projects get underway.

Aside from the Skyway Stage 3 and the NAIA Expressway Phase 2 project, also scheduled for construction within the next coming months are the Gil Puyat-Makati-Avenue-Paseo de Roxas underpass, Sta. Monica-Lawton Avenue bridge, CP Garcia Avenue-McKinley Hill ramp, repair and asphalt overlay of Magallanes Interchange, EDSA-Taft Avenue flyover, MRT Line 3/ LRT Line 1 extension common station, LRT Line 2 East extension up to Masinag, LRT Line 1 Extension (Cavite), EDSA- Roosevelt Ave. interchange, Espana Avenue-Lacson Avenue interchange, repair and rehabilitation and improvement of South Superhighway Makati, the NLEX-SLEX connector road and the EDSA-West Avenue-North Avenue interchange.