MMDA: Aurora-Araneta intersection to be closed overnight from Aug. 24-30

MANILA, Philippines — The whole intersection of Aurora Boulevard and Araneta Avenue in Sta. Mesa, Manila, will be closed to vehicular traffic for seven consecutive nights starting Saturday, August 24, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said.

In a press conference on Thursday, MMDA General Manager Jojo Garcia announced that the intersection will be closed from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. the next day for seven consecutive nights.

The closure is to give way for construction of the Skyway connector which links the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX).

Garcia said the closure was originally scheduled two weeks ago but was delayed “due to technical difficulties.”

“Hindi natuloy yan kasi nagkaroon sila ng problema due to technical difficulties. Na-postpone ito, noong isang linggo ito,” he said.

About 18,000 motorists will be affected by the overnight closures, Garcia added.

“Ang bilin natin dito, just make sure na bukas yan ng 5 a.m. at lahat ng kalat ay malinis na,” the MMDA official said.

The MMDA has advised motorists to use the following alternate routes:

For light vehicles:

-From Shaw Boulevard/ V. Mapa, take straight towards Magsaysay Blvd. then Santol Street, right at Palanza, Landargun or Bayani Road, left at G. Araneta to destination and vice versa

-Vehicles from Cubao towards Manila area, along Aurora Blvd., right at Guirayan St., left at Palanza, left at Tomas Arguelles St. or Santol St. to Magsaysay Blvd. to destination

-Vehicles coming from N. Domingo and Blumentritt, take F. Roman, H. Lozada St. and J. Ruiz St.

-Vehicles coming from north: along C-3 Sgt. Rivera, right at Bayani, Landargun and Palanza St., left at Santol St., left at Magsaysay Blvd., and take V. Mapa, Old Sta. Mesa to destination

For trucks:

-From Quezon Avenue, E. Rodriguez Ave., straight towards España Blvd., left Lacson Ave. straight towards Nagtahan to destination (vice versa); or

-Take Magsaysay Blvd., right at V. Mapa to Shaw Blvd. to destination and vice versa.  /muf