MMDA approves 19 road repair projects in Metro

MANILA, Philippines—The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority has approved 19 road and drainage repair projects in Metro Manila and says it has taken measures to help ensure that motorists do not get stuck in traffic as a result of the repair work.

MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino has set the rules to minimize traffic woes brought about by the projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways  in Quezon City, San Juan, Manila, Muntinlupa, Parañaque, Caloocan and Taguig.

Tolentino said the projects are needed to improve the condition of the roads, which in turn would  improve the flow of traffic.

“This is a preventive measure, because we want to avoid any further damage and inconvenience to our motorists,” Tolentino said.

Among the projects are the widening of Don Mariano Marcos Avenue in Quezon City; road repairs on E. Rodriguez Jr. Avenue, Katipunan Avenue and Sto. Domingo Street in Quezon City, West Service Road in Parañaque, C-5 Road and PPTA Road in Taguig, Repostol Street and Gen. San Miguel Street in Caloocan City, Alabang Viaduct section in Muntinlupa City, Ramon Magsaysay Service Road and CM Recto, M. Dela Fuente Streets in Manila, and 2nd West Crame Road in San Juan City.

Drainage rehabilitation is set in flood-prone areas such as Maceda Street  and Dapitan in Sampaloc, Manila and Aurora Boulevard in Quezon City. Soil testing projects for footbridges are also scheduled on Sucat Road in Parañaque City and Quezon Avenue in Quezon City.

Private contractors were directed to conduct road reblocking activities for the repair only from 10 p.m. on Fridays until 4 a.m. on Mondays.  Tolentino said roads should be cleared and fully passable by 5 a.m. on Mondays.

He added that MMDA and DPWH have agreed to interrupt or ban all road diggings and excavations from Dec. 15 until Jan. 2 due to the increased vehicular volume and pedestrian traffic during the Christmas season.

According to the MMDA chief, personnel from the Traffic Engineering Center will strictly monitor and enforce the deadlines of the project.

The MMDA will soon release public advisories on alternate routes while reminding the riding public to strictly obey the rules to avoid inconvenience or untoward incidents.