People Power celebrations won't be in EDSA to ease traffic

Palace asks public: Please bear with inconvenience

MANILA -- A feared traffic Armageddon may begin on Monday with the start of the construction of a major infrastructure project in Metro Manila.

Malacanang has urged the public to bear with the effects of the implementation of the Skyway 3 project, a 14.8-kilometer six-lane elevated expressway that will complete the Skyway system from Alabang to Balintawak. The project is targeted for completion by 2016.

Another project, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Expressway Phase 2, will also begin on Monday.

Both projects are expected to increase traffic volume in EDSA by more than half.

“We ask the public to share in the burden of sacrifice and bear the short-term inconvenience,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma said in an interview with radio dzRB.

As a result of the traffic congestion, Malacanang said the 28th anniversary of the People Power will not be held in EDSA but at Malacanang Palace grounds on February 25.

“Dito idaraos ang flag-raising at ang traditional na salubungan sa pagitan ng mga mamamayan at mga sundalo. Magdaraos din ng pulong-bayan si Pangulong Aquino at makikipagtalakayan siya sa mga mamamayan mula sa iba’t ibang sektor. (We will hold at the Palace grounds the celebrations. President Aquino will also hold a dialogue with the different sectors),” Coloma said.

Avoiding traffic

Based on an advisory from the Citra Central Expressway Corp., the group that will undertake the P26-billion Skyway 3 project, an advance work site will be set up on Monday at the center island of Osmeña Highway from Buendia in Makati to Quirino Avenue in Manila.

Two southbound inner lanes between F Torres St. and Arellano Avenue will be closed. The other three northbound lanes will remain passable for now, Citra said.

Those who wish to avoid the highway, on the other hand, may take alternative routes provided by the government.

For example, Manila-bound motorists using the Skyway-SLEX may exit at Magallanes, Don Bosco or Amorsolo.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has already launched an online information service that will inform the public of the progress of the two projects and 13 others.

The so-called Metro Manila Roadway Tablet may be accessed via www.mmroadway.com.