PNP: Heavy traffic expected on Commonwealth Ave. even if it’s no-rally zone during Sona

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said heavy traffic is still expected along Commonwealth Avenue despite being a no-rally zone during President Rodrigo Duterte’s final State of the Nation Address (Sona).

“Magkakaroon ng traffic, congested ang traffic sa kapaligiran, kagaya ng inaasahan, kaya pakiusap natin sa kanila, huwag nang dumaan dito para hindi na makadagdag sa pagsikip ng daloy ng trapiko,” Police chief Guillermo Eleazar said.

(We expect that traffic will be congested in the vicinity [of Commonwealth Ave.]. We call [the motorists] not to travel here so they would not add to the volume of traffic.)

Eleazar said the protestors have been given permit by the Quezon City Government to hold their protests along the vicinity of the University of the Philippines, Commission on Human Rights, even along National Housing Authority.

Meanwhile, the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) suggested alternate routes to the affected motorists.

Those from QCMC shall take North Ave., turn right to Mindanao Ave., or turn right to Visayas Ave. then turn left to Congressional or Tandang Sora Ave. then exit Mindanao Ave., turn right to Quirino Highway going to Commonwealth Extension passing through the right turn S&R Shopping Store landmark heading Southbound Lane.

The entire stretch of IBP Road may be closed to motorists if heavy traffic occurs, according to QCPD.

If so, all motorists re-routed from QCMC to Filinvest 1 and 2, Brgy Bagong Silangan and some inner portions of Brgy. Batasan Hills shall take Maharlika St., then turn left to Mayaman St., then turn right to Maginhawa St., turn left to Masinsinan St., then turn right to C.P. Garcia to Katipunan Ave., then take U-turn Slot in front of Miriam College  then turn right to H. Ventura St, turn left to Heizer St. then turn right to Katipunan Ext, then take a left turn to JP Rizal to San Mateo road to destination.

Motorists from Filinvest 1 Subdivision affected by traffic lockdown at IBP Road can take Luzviminda St. to Cotabato St. then turn left to Sinagtala St. to Congressional St. leading to Batasan-San Mateo Road and exit to Marikina Road to Destination.

Those from San Mateo Road to Filinvest 2 Subdivision/Bagong Silangan may take Doña Franceska St. then turn left to Doña Juliana St. to King St. turn right to Don Vicente to Bagong Silangan/Filinvest Gate 2.

Those motorists from Capitol Hills and Vista Real Executive Village going to QCMC may counterflow using the inner lane of Commonwealth Ave. (Northbound) from Zuazeregui to Katipunan.

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