Holy Week road traffic jams to peak Holy Wednesday to Maundy Thursday

(INQUIRER file photo)

MANILA, Philippines—Traffic congestions along expressways during Holy Week is expected to reach its worst from the afternoon of Holy Wednesday until Maundy Thursday, according to the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB).

Holy Wednesday marks the last working day before the government-declared Holy Week holidays, making it a peak travel period for travelers heading to the provinces.

READ: LIST: Road closures, rerouting for Holy Week rites

“Historically, ang pagdagsa ng traffic natin tuwing Holy Week ay afternoon on Wednesday, and the early morning to the after lunch of Maundy Thursday,” said TRB Spokesperson Julius Corpuz in an interview over Radyo 630.

(Historically, heavy traffic during Holy Week starts on Wednesday afternoon and continues from early morning to early afternoon on Maundy Thursday.)

Meanwhile, heavy traffic should also be expected in the afternoon of Easter Sunday until the next day, when travelers are expected to return from the provinces.

READ: DPWH to conduct 24-hour road works in Metro Manila this Holy Week

Preparations

The TRB and toll operators have deployed additional patrol vehicles, traffic management personnel and enforcers, said Corpuz.

Tow trucks have also been prepositioned, and toll assistance personnel and technicians are on standby in case of malfunctioning Radio-Frequency Identification or RFID tags.

Ambulances, medical staff and firetrucks are also on standby along in toll lanes.

“Kung saka sakaling humaba ang pila ng RFID, obligado sila na i-akyat ang barrier for better flow of traffic, up to 100 meters kung aabot ‘yan,” said Corpuz.

(If the RFID lanes get congested, they are obliged to lift the barrier for better flow of traffic, up to 100 meters if the lines will reach to as far as that.)

“Kailangang buksan nila ang barrier para to make sure na maganda ang daloy ng trapiko,” he noted.

(They need to open the barrier to make sure that the flow of traffic is good.)

“[Toll operators] will implement counterflow when necessary, update motorists on the traffic situation, and motorists assistance stations and mechanics na pwedeng tumulong sa inyo,” the TRB spokesperson added.

(Toll operators will implement counterflow when necessary, provide traffic updates to motorists, and set up assistance stations with mechanics who can help you.)

Reminders

With heavy traffic looming, Corpuz issued reminders to motorists and travelers passing through expressways during the Holy Week.

He said non-RFID users should use the designated cash lanes to avoid disrupting the flow in the RFID lanes.

Likewise, RFID users should ensure that their tags have sufficient load to avoid causing traffic buildup in the lanes.

Cash-paying motorists who intend to switch to RFID may visit the AutoSweep and EasyTrip websites to schedule installation.

Corpuz also advised motorists to avoid using vehicles that are not roadworthy and to drive responsibly, notably by maintaining safe braking distance.

Drivers should allow at least 45 seconds of reaction time in case the vehicle ahead encounters an accident.

“So we are asking motorists to please observe and comply with traffic rules and regulations and, at least, observe road courtesy,” said Corpuz.

“’Huwag masyadong mainit ang ulo. Makakarating din kayo sa inyong patutunguhan,” he told motorists.

(Don’t be too hot-headed. You will still reach your destination.)

In cases of emergency, the public may contact the following numbers:

For NLEX, SCTEX, CALAX, CAVITEX – (02) 135-000

For SKYWAY, NAIAX, SLEX, TPLEX – (02) 5318-8655

MCX – (02) 7795-1629

TRB – 0962-055-1521