Brace for traffic as MMDA holds dry run for SEA Games

MANILA, Philippines — Commuters are advised to brace for heavy traffic in parts of the metropolis and the provinces of Bulacan and Cavite today as the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will conduct a traffic simulation for the upcoming Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.

The simulation run covering 90 kilometers is among the first of many traffic schemes the MMDA will be implementing for the sport event. The agency is expected to finalize all plans by this week in time for the opening of the SEA Games on Nov. 30.

MMDA spokesperson Celine Pialago said the four-hour convoy would be traveling from Tagaytay City in Cavite province, passing through Metro Manila before heading for Bulacan province, to test the expected routes to the games’ venues.

The simulation will run from 1 to 4 p.m. and will traverse through Edsa, North Luzon Expressway (NLEx), South Luzon Expressway (SLEx) and other major thoroughfares in Pasay and Manila.

Pialago advised motorists to avoid the following routes: Edsa northbound, Mindanao and North Avenues, Muñoz and Balintawak in Quezon City.

In the south, motorists must steer clear of Quirino, Pasay and Taft Avenues; Roxas Boulevard, NLEx and SLEx.