MMDA to suspend ‘non-urgent’ roadworks during holidays

MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will ban roadworks in Metro Manila that are not considered urgent during the Christmas holidays to prevent heavy traffic.

Road repairs, including reblocking, pipe laying and excavation in the metropolis will be suspended from Nov. 14 to Jan. 6 next year, the agency announced yesterday.

In an interview over dzRH, acting MMDA chairman Romando Artes appealed to companies to halt roadworks such as laying fiber optic cables and pipes “if they are not for emergency purposes.”

However, the Metro Manila Subway Project is exempt from the suspension.

The MMDA may lift the suspension on roadworks on Dec. 26 or 27 if it sees that Metro Manila roads have become more passable to cars after Christmas Day.

Roxas Boulevard truck ban enforced

Meanwhile, Artes announced the MMDA is enforcing a truck ban along Roxas Boulevard to prevent further decay of a portion of the said major thoroughfare.

Trucks with a gross capacity weight of more than 4,500 kilos are prohibited from using Roxas Boulevard temporarily “to avoid deterioration,” the MMDA said.

The Department of Public Works and Highways is currently performing construction work on a portion of the highway, particularly in front of the United States embassy.

Drivers of trucks coming from South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) should proceed along Osmeña Highway to Quirino Avenue, turn left on Plaza Dilao towards Quirino Avenue Extension, left on UN Avenue, turn right on Romualdez street, turn left on Ayala Avenue or P. Burgos Avenue, then turn right on Bonifacio Drive to destination.

Drivers of trucks from Port Area should turn left on P. Burgos or Ayala Boulevard, then turn right on San Marcelino, turn left on Quirino Avenue, then right turn on Osmeña Highway towards SLEX.