Shutdown of port ops creates serious traffic jam in Manila’s port area

Photo from the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.

MANILA, Philippines — Motorists were advised on Friday to avoid Roxas Boulevard, R10 and other adjacent roads in Manila leading to and from Port Area as heavy traffic is being experienced in the area.

In a statement on Friday, the Manila City government said the heavy traffic is being caused by the long buildup of container trucks queueing to and from the South Harbor and Manila International Container Terminal (MICT).

The Manila government said the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) informed the local government that port operations in South Harbor have been “shut down” since Thursday because of “severe wind disturbance.”

The PPA said intermittent wind speed patterns, uncertainty in operations cause a “stop-go” situation of port operations or a full suspension at discretion of operators.

As a result, container trucks remain stuck at port gates causing massive gridlock along roads leading to and from the Port Area.

“Ayon sa Philippine Ports Authority, ang masamang kalagayan ng panahon ang dahilan ng pagbagal ng processing sa loob ng pier kung kaya bumagal ang paglabas ng mga truck mula sa loob ng South Harbour at MICT simula pa kahapon,” Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno said.

He added the heavy traffic could last until Friday night.

“Ipinakikiusap po namin sa mga motorista na huwag na munang tangkain na dumaan sa Roxas Blvd, R10 at iba pang mga pangunahing kalsada patungo sa Pier sa araw na ito,” Moreno said.

“Sa mga trucker naman, kung wala pa kayo sa Maynila, iwasan na muna ang inyong byahe patungong pier,” he added.

The city government assured that it is coordinating with PPA and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to assist motorists during the heavy traffic. /jpv