Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 19) — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Wednesday released its traffic plan for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 24.
In a statement, the agency added 1,354 personnel would be on hand to manage not only vehicular and foot traffic, but to also assist in emergency response and crowd control, among others
“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 strike will be monitored at the newly inaugurated MMDA Communications and Command Center,” acting MMDA chairman Don Artes said.
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A zipper lane will be implemented as needed on the southbound portions of Commonwealth Avenue to give way to vehicles of government officials and guests going to the Batasang Pambansa Complex. Motorists are also requested to take alternate routes to avoid the heavy traffic expected on that day.
Alternate routes
Northbound (Quezon Memorial Circle to Fairview)
– 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 point of destination.
Southbound (Fairview to Quezon Memorial Circle)
– 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 point of destination.
Northbound (Quezon Memorial Circle to Fairview via Marikina)
– Light vehicles from C5 Road may turn left at Magiting St., turn right at Maginhawa St., turn left at Mayaman St. to Kalayaan Avenue to reach the point of destination.
For trucks
– All trucks coming from C-5 along Katipunan Avenue should take Luzon Flyover then turn left at Congressional Avenue to reach the point of destination.Apart from these preparations, the MMDA also said they would enforce a no day off policy for their personnel assigned for the SONA, adding they would install signs to let motorists know what alternate routes are available.
