The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will deploy over 1,000 personnel to manage traffic and clear road obstructions on Commonwealth Avenue, IBP Road, and other major roads in Quezon City for President Rodrigo Duterte’s 5th State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 27.
MMDA chairman Danilo Lim said the personnel are composed of traffic enforcers, Road Emergency Group personnel, Motorcycle Patrol Units and Sidewalk Clearing Operations Group.
Lim ordered the distribution of raincoats in case of a downpour on Monday.
“The MMDA is in close coordination with the Presidential Security Group, Quezon City Police District and Department of Public Order and Safety to ensure a peaceful and orderly SONA. All assigned personnel to report to their designated post as early as 4:30 am,” Lim said.
Meanwhile, motorists are advised to take alternate routes to avoid expected heavy traffic along Commonwealth Avenue and the vicinity of Batasang Pambansa Complex.
Alternate routes:
Northbound (Quezon Memorial Circle to Fairview): From Elliptical Road (QMC), take North Avenue, Mindanao Ave., Quirino Highway, Commonwealth Ave, to destination
Southbound (Fairview to Quezon Memorial Circle): From Elliptical Road (QMC), take Commonwealth Avenue, Quirino Highway, Mindanao Avenue, North Avenue to destination.
Motorists may also opt to take:
• For light vehicles (Northbound: QMC to Fairview) via Marikina
From Elliptical Road (QMC), turn right Maharlika, turn left Mayaman, turn right Maginhawa, turn left C.P. Garcia, turn right Katipunan Ave., turn left A. Bonifacio Ave., straight to Gen. Luna Ave., turn right Kambal Road, turn left GSIS Road, turn left Jones St., turn right Gen. Luna Ave., straight to A. Mabini St., turn left Rodriguez Highway, turn left Payatas Road to destination
• For light vehicles (Southbound: Fairview to QMC)
From Elliptical Road (QMC), turn right Luzon Ave., turn right Tandang Sora Ave., turn right to Central Ave. to destination
• For light vehicles (QMC to Fairview)
From Elliptical Road (QMC), Turn right University Ave. turn right C.P. Garcia Ave. turn right and U-turn to Katipunan Ave. turn right Commonwealth Ave, Turn right Maharlika, turn left Masaya, turn right Maginhawa, turn left Magiting, turn right C.P. Garcia Ave. then U- turn and turn right Commonwealth Ave. to destination.
The MMDA will open zipper lanes or allow counterflow of vehicles along Commonwealth Avenue at the following portions: Quezon Memorial Circle; U.P. Techno Hub; and Tandang Sora to accommodate the volume of vehicles on the northbound lane.
To guide the motorists on the use of zipper lanes, plastic barriers and traffic cones shall be installed.
Ambulances, tow trucks, military trucks, and other resources, will be placed on standby in case of any untoward incident.
Ahead of the SONA, members of Task Force Special Operations will remove illegally-parked vehicles and other road obstructions at the following areas: Batasan Hills, Litex Road, Tandang Sora, Visayas Avenue, Congressional Avenue, C-5 Road, Magiting, Maginhawa, Mayaman and Kalayaan. (PNA)