MMDA issues advisory on Christmas lanes

MANILA, Philippines - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has determined alternative routes for private motorists who want to avoid the traffic jams along EDSA this Yuletide season.

MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said the so-called “Christmas lanes” in the north and south entry points of EDSA will be cleared of obstructions next week. Traffic enforcers will be designated in the alternative routes to manage traffic.

Southbound motorists coming from north of Metro Manila may take the MacArthur Highway, turn right at Samson Road in Caloocan, take C-4/Letre Road, then R-10 at A. Bonifacio Avenue in Port Area, at Roxas Boulevard.

Motorists coming from the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) can make an exit at the newly constructed Mindanao Avenue access ramp, turn right Mindanao Ave., left to Congressional Avenue, right at Tandang Sora Avenue, cross the Commonwealth Avenue flyover, take Katipunan Avenue, then C-5 road.

From Araneta Avenue (C3), motorists can turn right at Aurora Blvd, take Ramon Magsaysay Blvd., take a left at Nagtahan, then take Quirino Avenue, then left at the South Super Highway to destination. 

From West Avenue, turn right at Quezon Avenue, take a U-turn near Scout Magbanua, right at Roces Avenue, a right at Tomas Morato, right at E. Rodriguez, left at Gilmore, and right at N. Domingo. They would then turn left at Pinaglabanan, turn right at P. Guevarra, right at Shaw Blvd., left at Nueve de Pebrero at Maysilo and the Mandaluyong Makati Bridge.

From Roosevelt, motorists are advised at make a right turn at Quezon Avenue, a U-turn after G. Araneta, right turn at Aurora Blvd., Magsaysay Blvd., left at Nagtahan, President Quirino, left at South Superhighway.

Northbound vehicles from the Coastal Road Expressway, motorists are advised at go straight at Roxas Blvd, at R-10, take a right at C-4, take Samson Road at their destination.

From the South Luzon Expressway, motorists are advised at exit at C-5, take Katipunan, take Tandang Sora, make a U-turn at Congressional Avenue and then make a right at Mindanao Avenue.

From Makati at Quezon City, motorists can take the Makati-Mandaluyong Bridge, right at Francisco Street, at Maysilo, Nueve de Pebrero, left at Shaw Blvd., right at Wilson, left at Ortigas Ave. at Granada Street, then at Hemady. Then a right at E. Rodriguez, left at Tomas Morato, left at Kamuning, at their destinations.

Tolentino said private motorists used these routes during the construction of the EDSA Metro Rail Transit (MRT) 3 line in the late ’90s.

“Our objective is for private motorists to bypass EDSA and reduce traffic volume along it,” he said.

Toentino said the MMDA will install directional signs along the lanes to guide motorists.

He said that if proven effective, the routes remain open after the Christmas season.

He stressed that only private motorists can use the lanes. The number coding scheme on private vehicles remains enforced in the alternative routes.