MMC eyes adjusting mall hours to ease Metro traffic

MANILA, Philippines — With the scheduled rehabilitation of bridges and flyovers along EDSA and other major thoroughfares, a proposal to adjust mall hours is being studied by the Metro Manila Council (MMC) to help ease traffic congestion in the National Capital Region.

The proposed mall schedule is from 10 or 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

There is no decision yet regarding the proposed adjustment in mall hours, which is usually implemented during the Christmas season, MMC president and San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora clarified yesterday.

The MMC is also studying weather patterns as it may change in the coming weeks, Zamora said.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, the rainy season will start possibly in a few weeks or within one or two months, Zamora said.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) closed on May 1 the Kamuning flyover in Quezon City for a six-month repair.

The rehabilitation of the Magallanes flyover and Guadalupe bridge in Makati will start next week and in August, respectively, DPWH-National Capital Region director Loreta Malaluan earlier said.

The DPWH will not immediately close the Magallanes flyover to prevent aggravating the monstrous traffic in Metro Manila, Malaluan said.

The Lambingan bridge will also be rehabilitated in the coming months, according to the DPWH.

The contractor handling the Kamuning flyover’s rehabilitation has a standing order to complete repair works before the rainy season, according to Malaluan.

From 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., 143,805 vehicles reportedly pass through Guadalupe bridge and 160,765 vehicles transit the Magallanes flyover.

“Once we ease traffic at the Kamuning flyover, it will only be the time that we will close Guadalupe bridge. But before we start its rehabilitation, we will install a temporary bridge for the use of motorists,” Malaluan said.

Repairs of bridges and flyovers in Metro Manila are being conducted to strengthen the structures in preparation for the possible “Big One” – an earthquake of up to magnitude 7.8, Malaluan pointed out.