Bongbong Marcos 2nd SONA: MMDA releases traffic plan, alternative routes

MMDA. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Wednesday released its traffic management plan, including alternative routes, for the second State of the Nation Address (Sona) of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on July 24.

MMDA acting chair Don Artes said that 1,354 personnel would be assigned to manage vehicular and pedestrian traffic; assist in emergency response; conduct road and sidewalk clearing operations; assist in crowd control; traffic monitoring; and support the operations of the Task Force in ensuring a peaceful and orderly Sona.

“Preparations are in full swing for us to ensure that traffic will be orderly along Commonwealth Avenue, IBP Road, and all other thoroughfares surrounding the House of Representatives. Sona-related activities as well as transport strikes will be monitored at the newly inaugurated MMDA Communications and Command Center,” he said in a statement.

A “no day off, no absent” policy among MMDA personnel will also be enforced on July 24, according to the official.

READ: Bongbong Marcos 2nd Sona: No classes in QC on July 24 – Belmonte

Artes said the MMDA would implement a zipper lane or counterflow on the southbound portions of Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City to give way to vehicles of government officials and guests going to the Batasang Pambansa Complex, where the House of Representatives is located to attend the Sona.

He added that plastic barriers and traffic cones will be placed along zipper lanes and affected roads.

The MMDA advised motorists to avoid the anticipated heavy traffic along Commonwealth Avenue and around the Batasang Pambansa Complex during the Sona through the following alternative routes:

Quezon Memorial Circle to Fairview (Northbound)

• Vehicles from Elliptical Road should take North Avenue, right turn at Mindanao Avenue, then right turn to Sauyo Road or take Quirino Highway to reach the destination.

Fairview to Quezon Memorial Circle (Southbound)

• Vehicles from Commonwealth Avenue should take Sauyo Road or Quirino Highway, turn left at Mindanao Avenue, then turn left at North Avenue to reach the destination.

FOR TRUCKS

All trucks from C-5 along Katipunan Avenue should take Luzon Flyover and then turn left at Congressional Avenue to reach the destination point.

READ: Marcos’ 2nd Sona to highlight ‘significant progress’

Artes assured the public that traffic advisory signage will be installed along alternative routes to guide motorists while audiovisual trucks would be deployed along strategic locations to show the policy programs of the MMDA and President Marcos’ speech.

READ: Bongbong Marcos on Sona 2023: A simple performance report to the people

The MMDA said it is coordinating with the Quezon City government for intensified clearing operations against all types of road obstructions, including illegally parked vehicles, to ensure that alternate routes are passable.

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