MMDA warns: 'Traffic to get worse in Metro Manila'

MANILA, Philippines — The public should expect the traffic situation in Metro Manila to get worse during the runup to the Christmas season due to the closure of six bridges and flyovers, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said yesterday.

 “It is more than the usual traffic,” MMDA general manager Jojo Garcia said during a press conference, adding that the projects were started during the latter part of the year because they are urgent.

 The Old Sta. Mesa Bridge, which connects San Juan and Manila, will be closed to traffic starting on Sept. 15 to allow for the construction of the Skyway extension project. It will reopen in April 2019.

Repairs on the southbound lane of the Mabini Bridge and the Nagtahan Flyover will be done from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. until January next year.

  Motorists affected by the closure of the Old Sta. Mesa Bridge may take F. Manalo street or G. Araneta or Aurora Boulevard, Libiran, Boni Avenue and F. Blumentritt Avenue.

 Motorists affected by the closure of the Mabini Bridge and Nagtahan Flyover may use the northbound lane, which will remain open.

“Patikim pa lang ito (This is just a taste),” he said.

 Garcia said Otis and Concordia Bridges in Manila, Sevilla Bridge in Mandaluyong and Tripa de Gallina Bridge along Gil Puyat Avenue in Makati are also being repaired.