Explain delayed road works, DPWH told

MANILA, Philippines–It’s that time of the year again when Christmas or Mabuhay lanes are expected to open to ease traffic congestion in Metro Manila during the holidays.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), however, has held off on the designation of the alternate routes pending a clarification from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on the delayed completion of several road projects.

“The holiday season is approaching and these road projects hinder our plans of reviving the Christmas or Mabuhay lanes in the Metro,” MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said during the agency’s Sunday radio program.

He added, however, that he merely wanted a clarification and that some of the possible reasons for the delays were alignment issues or weather concerns.

Earlier, Tolentino announced that road diggings would not be allowed anywhere in the metropolis three weeks before Christmas in anticipation of a traffic buildup as people flock to malls and other shopping centers.

According to him, he wrote Reynaldo Tagudando, DPWH National Capital Region director, to get an update on the status of road repair works in Metro Manila.

“[Some of] these road projects should have been finished in July, September and October this year,” he said, referring to the department’s 24 pending road projects.

Tolentino noted that the ongoing repairs on Quirino Highway, Baesa, in Quezon City should have been completed on July 29. Another road project in Tandang Sora, also in Quezon City, was expected to be finished in 21 days although work was still ongoing, he added.

Last year, the MMDA designated 17 Christmas lanes to serve as alternate routes for motorists. Last week, it announced that there would be some changes in the routes due to major ongoing road projects like the Ninoy Aquino International Airport elevated expressway.