Half of Christmas lanes cleared - MMDA

MANILA, Philippines - Fifty percent of designated “Christmas lanes” have already been cleared of obstructions and are ready for use by private motorists, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) reported yesterday.

In a statement, MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino said repairs were also done by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on the Christmas lanes, which private motorists can use as alternate roads instead of going through EDSA, during the holidays.

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

According to Tolentino, some “Christmas lanes” such as service roads along Roxas Boulevard from the Aloha Hotel to T.M. Kalaw, have been widened by removing center islands.

In addition to the road works, the MMDA’s Traffic Engineering Center has also installed directional signs to guide private motorists along the alternate routes. Additional traffic enforcers were also deployed along the Christmas lanes to guide the flow of traffic.

The MMDA opened the Christmas lanes last week as part of its ongoing drive to decongest EDSA. Tolentino is urging private motorists use the alternate routes instead of going through EDSA, which is expected to be jam-packed and slow-moving especially in areas near large shopping malls and commercial districts.

The designated Christmas lanes can be viewed at the MMDA’s website, www.mmda.gov.ph. According to the MMDA, the Christmas lanes will start at both the north and south entry points of EDSA.

Southbound motorists coming from north Metro Manila may take McArthur Highway, turn right to Samson Road, take C-4/Letre, then take Road 10, A. Bonifacio Avenue, and Roxas Boulevard and then to their destinations.

Motorists coming from the North Luzon Expressway meanwhile can exit at the newly constructed Mindanao Avenue access ramp. From the south of Metro Manila, the Christmas lanes start at the Coastal Road and at South Luzon Expressway.