The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has advised motorists to prepare themselves for heavy traffic on one of Manila’s busiest thoroughfares—España Boulevard—due to a road and drainage project.
MMDA Chair Francis Tolentino said the Department of Public Works and Highways would begin working on the project which would affect portions of P. Campa up to Nicanor Reyes Streets on Thursday. Construction was expected to last for two months.
“Motorists must seek alternate routes to avoid traffic buildup in the area,” Tolentino told reporters.
He said that the expected gridlock at the intersection of España Boulevard, Lerma and Nicanor Reyes (Morayta) Streets would greatly affect commuters frequenting the University Belt area.
Under the project, the DPWH would elevate low-lying areas along España Boulevard where flooding has been a perennial problem.
Construction would follow a 24/7 schedule although the DPWH said it would not close down the road.
“We want to finish this project within a 60-day period, in time for the opening of college classes that moved their academic year opening to August,” Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson said in a statement posted on the agency’s website.
Part of the government’s efforts to alleviate frequent flooding in Manila, the P14.3 million worth project involves the improvement of the existing drainage line at the corner of on España Boulevard and P. Campa Street and the grade raising of concrete pavement with a length of
102 lineal meters and a total pavement area of 3,310 square meters from Lerma to P. Campa Street.
The widening of the road going to Quiapo between Paquita and R. Papa Streets will also be undertaken alongside the flood mitigation project.
Alternate route for northbound vehicles are the following direction:
a) From Quezon Boulevard, take A. Mendoza, Laon Laan, Dimasalang or A. Mendoza, J. Barlin, P. Noval, España Boulevard or C.M. Recto
Avenue, Legarda, Earnshaw, S. H. Loyola; and b) from Taft Avenue take Ayala, P. Casal, Legarda, Earnshaw, S. H. Loyola.
Southbound vehicles are recommended to take the following route: a) From Quezon Avenue take Kanlaon, P. Florentino/P. Margal/Dapitan,
A. Mendoza, Quezon Boulevard (Quiapo); b) from Rodriguez Avenue take Josefina, J. Fajardo, Earnshaw, Legarda, C. M. Recto Avenue; c) from España Boulevard take A. H. Lacson, Earnshaw, Legarda, C. M. Recto Avenue or take Adelina, A. Mendoza, Qu