MMDA warns of traffic jams as roads closed for repair

MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) warned motorists of heavy traffic starting today due to road repairs along the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and in some parts of EDSA, Quezon City and Makati City.

MMDA general manager Jojo Garcia said the NLEX will start repairing today a portion of the Balintawak Cloverleaf along A. Bonifacio Avenue Road to address perennial flooding in the area.

Garcia said the ramp of Balintawak Cloverleaf EDSA-Southbound will be closed to traffic from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. for 70 to 80 days.

He said affected motorists should take Smart Connect Interchange to Mindanao Avenue to their destination, exit to EDSA for those Monumento-bound and make a U-turn for EDSA southbound.

For motorists going from Monumento to A. Bonifacio Avenue, they should turn right to Biglang Awa street, left to Jasmine street, straight to 11th Avenue turn right to A. Bonifacio Avenue to their destination.

Starting tomorrow, Garcia said Quezon City residents will also be affected by the heavy traffic caused by the construction of the Metro Rail Transit-7 (MRT-7) along North Avenue to Mindanao Avenue.

Garcia said contractors of the MRT-7 project will occupy one lane each, but the MMDA will provide alternate routes.

Garcia also said the construction will be done in two phases: from Veterans to Vertis North Gate and from Vertis North Gate to Mindanao Avenue.

As far as repairs on EDSA are concerned, Garcia said that the right innermost southbound lane on EDSA Shaw (near Star Mall) will also be closed to traffic because of Manila Water’s pipeline repairs.

Garcia said Manila Water will start its repair project on July 7, but the road’s total closure will begin on July 14 as the water firm will start bringing its equipment from midnight to 4 a.m.

Affected southbound motorists may the Star Mall’s entrance as an alternate route going to their destinations while commuters’ drop-off and pick-up point will be adjusted to the both ends of the lane, he added.

Garcia said Manila Water’s repair will last three months but the firm promised to finish the project within 30 days.

In Makati City, Garcia said the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is set to start the rehabilitation of Buendia Bridge, which is located before Taft Avenue going to Roxas Boulevard.

Muamar Guro of DPWH-South Manila said the bridge was inspected and found to be in poor condition due to numerous cracks.