MANILA, Philippines -- The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority has advised motorists to avoid the southern portion of the C-5- Kalayaan Avenue intersection in Makati City where an elevated U-turn roadway is being constructed, with completion expected in three months.

MMDA traffic operations center chief Roberto Esquivel said motorists could avoid the traffic jam in the area by taking alternate routes like Edsa.

“This latest engineering project is one of our permanent solutions to reduce the jams in the area where vehicles hardly move about during rush hours,” Esquivel said.

The MMDA has put up signs around the project to guide motorists to adjoining streets.

Motorists coming from Rizal province are advised to turn right on Amang Rodriguez, right on Ortigas Avenue and make a U-turn back to C-5 or on to Edsa.

Motorists can also take Sandoval Avenue in Pasig City, make a left on Mercedes Avenue, right on C. Raymundo and straight to C-5 or Edsa.

From Shaw Boulevard to Pasig proper, motorists can take Danny Floro Road, take a right at the C-5 service road, then left at Vargas Bridge.

The alternate routes can be taken by both public and private vehicles, Esquivel said, adding that the rerouting scheme will be in place until the U-turn project is completed by July 2008.

The MMDA began construction of the P350-million U-turn project in February.