The Metro Manila Development Authority has described the potential traffic situation in the eastern part of Metro Manila as “bloody” once the construction of Light Railway Transit (LRT-2) extension project starts next month. But for Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya, the traffic gridlock that may come about with the construction of LRT 2 extension affecting motorists and commuters residing and working in the areas of Antipolo, Marikina, Cainta and Pasig may not be “fatal” at all. “Hindi naman siguro fatal yan,” Abaya said over TV Patrol. He said “not fatal” means “not burdensome to the daily lives of the people.”

MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino last Friday advised motorists and commuters to brace for heavy traffic with the East Expansion Project construction. “Madugo ito. Many will be affected when the construction starts because we have a number of subdivisions, residential areas and schools here,” said Tolentino. To ease traffic, the MMDA is now preparing a traffic management plan to be carried out during the construction of the P2.27 billion project awarded by the government to D.M. Consunji Inc. The scheme, according to Tolentino, will be enforced in an effort to help ease traffic and make travel easy for the public.Under the proposed traffic scheme, the MMDA will reduce the five-lane Marcos Highway to four lanes, freeing up a lane for the construction. The agency will also designate alternative routes in Sumulong Highway, A. Rodriguez—J. Rizal, Felix Avenue—Fernando Avenue, Calle Industria, Kaginhawaan and Ortigas Avenue Extension while intersections will be opened to motorists on Felix Avenue, Amang Rodriguez and De La Paz. MMDA general manager Corazon Jimenez said a detailed traffic management scheme is needed for private motorists, public utility vehicles and commuters to prepare and plan their scheduled daily road trips. The construction of LRT-2 East Extension from the railway’s current end-station in Santolan in Pasig City to Masinag in Cainta, Rizal will be undertaken by DMCI, which bagged the contract with a bid of P 2.27 billion.