Brace for traffic as Mandaluyong bridge repair starts – MMDA

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) yesterday urged motorists and commuters to brace for traffic gridlocks as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will start repair of the Sevilla Bridge in Mandaluyong City this week.

Bong Nebrija, supervising operations officer of the MMDA, advised motorists to take alternate routes as the construction would afffect the east and west-bound lanes of Shaw Boulevard.

“Affected commuters are encouraged to use Lubiran street, which serves as the main artery of the alternative routes,” Nebrija said.

The Sevilla Bridge connects the cities of Manila and Mandaluyong.

The MMDA will conduct clearing operations, tow illegally parked vehicles and issue citation tickets to erring motorists ahead of the repair work.

Earlier, the MMDA warned commuters of heavy traffic along North Avenue in Quezon City due to the construction of the Metro Rail Transit Line 7 (MRT-7).

Nebrija said the project contractor started work on the MRT-7 on Saturday.

He said the MMDA opened alternate routes and deployed additional enforcers to man traffic in the area.

“We appeal for public cooperation and understanding. These road projects are part of the government’s efforts to solve traffic woes in Metro Manila,” Nebrija said.

In a related development, MMDA Chairman Danilo Lim led the “tanggal bulok, tanggal usok” campaign with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) along Nepomuceno and Arlegui streets in Manila yesterday.

Authorities impounded two dilapidated jeepneys during the operation.

The MMDA towed away six vehicles for illegal parking and issued citation tickets to 32 motorists for traffic violations.

The Inter-Agency Council on Traffic conducted a crackdown on old jeepneys and smoke belchers in southern Metro Manila.

The IACT deployed 38 government vehicles and 20 buses to provide free rides to the affected commuters.