MMDA implements traffic loops, truck ban amid Christmas rush

MANILA, Philippines - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will open on Friday four loops that will serve as alternative routes for motorists going to the various domestic airport terminals (Terminals 2, 3 and 4) during the Christmas rush.

MMDA Assistant General Manager for Operations, Emerson Carlos said the loops would be open to traffic until January 3 next year.

The first loop called the 'maroon loop' would take motorists from the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) to the domestic airport through Dr. A. Santos Avenue (Sucat), Kabihasnan, and the Coastal Road or Dongalo Service Road.

The second loop, called the 'violet loop' would take motorists from Manila to the domestic airport by passing through Roxas Boulevard, Airport Road and the Domestic Road.

The third loop, called the 'green loop' takes motorists from the Makati City area to the domestic airports through the SLEX or Skyway, Doña Soledad Avenue, E. Rodriguez Avenue, Kaingin Road, Multinational Avenue, Ninoy Aquino Avenue, NAIA Road and the Domestic Road.

The last loop called the 'gold loop' meanwhile takes motorists from the Makati City area to the domestic airports  through the SLEX/Skyway through Dona Soledad Avenue, E. Rodriguez Avenue, Kaingin Road, Multinational Avenue, Dr. A. Santos Avenue (Sucat Road), Ninoy Aquino Avenueand then to the domestic airports.

In addition to the airport loops, Carlos said the MMDA will also be providing free shuttle buses to ferry passengers to and from the domestic airport terminals during the Christmas season.

Meanwhile, starting Wednesday, cargo trucks bound for the South Luzon Expressway will no longer be allowed to pass through Roxas Boulevard. The ban will be in place for six months.

Carlos said that with the ban on Roxas Boulevard, trucks from Manila’s Port Area going to the SLEX will have to take Bonifacio Drive, turn to P. Burgos, Finance Road, to Ayala Boulevard, make a right to San Marcelino, left to President Quirino Avenue, and then take a right to the SLEX.

Trucks coming from the SLEX to the Port Area meanwhile will have to make a right turn at President Quirino Avenue, take a left at Plaza Dilao, turn right at President Quirino Avenue Extension, make a left at UN Avenue, take a right at Romualdez St., make a left at Ayala Boulevard, to Finance Road, P. Burgos, and then make a right turn at Bonifacio Drive to Port Area.

Carlos said the new truck route will remain under the control and supervision of the joint Task Force Pantalan composed of traffic enforcers from the MMDA and the police.

“We will be using the same route that we have been using before. Andun pa din ang Task Force Pantalan under the MMDA and the PNP. Ang Roxas Boulevard kasi ay ginagawang picnic ground 'pag Christmas. We will give them the chance to enjoy the holiday season. We will be enforcing the old truck route. This old route will still be 24/7 but instead of Roxas Boulevard, we will be using San Marcelino,” said Carlos.

The MMDA added that truckers have given their support to the new route. The MMDA also reminded truckers that the truck ban remains in effect on EDSA.