The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has started removing illegally parked vehicles and other obstructions along the alternate routes for motorists using the EDSA Kamuning Flyover in Quezon City which will be closed for six months beginning May 1 to give way for its rehabilitation.
MMDA Assistant General Manager for Operations Asec. David Angelo Vargas is leading the sidewalk and road clearing operations, which he said, were necessary in ensuring that all alternate routes are accessible and obstruction-free for motorists.
The MMDA men started the operations at Panay Avenue, Scout Borromeo, Sgt. Esguerra, Samar Ave., and other locations within the area where a total of 105 vehicles were issued violation tickets for illegal parking, while four vehicles were impounded.
The impounded vehicles include two motorcycles and two cars.
“An information campaign was conducted in the area days before the clearing operations. We have advised motorists as well as residents to avoid parking on sidewalks and roads,” said Vargas.
Penalties are P1,000 for attended illegal parking and P 2,000 for unattended illegally parked vehicles. Towed vehicles were brought to the MMDA impounding area in Tumana, Marikina City.
Aside from the road clearing operations against illegally parked vehicles, sidewalk clearing operations were also carried out to address illegal vending, stall/store extensions, sidewalk encroachment, and illegal dumping of garbage that may hinder the use of sidewalks by pedestrians and that may cause traffic congestion.
The partial lane closure of the southbound portion of the EDSA-Kamuning flyover will start on May 1. The project aimed to prevent further damage and ensure its full opening to vehicular traffic on October 25.
The retrofitting of the Kamuning flyover is a significant step in the government’s efforts to rehabilitate structures in preparation for “The Big One” in case it happens.
“Even though the flyover will be partially closed during the rehabilitation, it will still be passable to public utility buses on the EDSA bus carousel,” said MMDA chairman Romando Artes.
The MMDA came up with a list of alternate routes to avoid traffic with the partial closure of the flyover:
Private vehicles are advised to take the following alternate routes:
– From EDSA/Quezon Avenue (southbound) make a right turn to Panay Avenue
– From Panay Avenue make a left turn to Sgt. Esguerra Avenue
– From Sgt. Esguerra Avenue make a left turn to Timog Avenue
– From Timog Avenue make a right turn to EDSA Service Road
– From EDSA/Quezon Avenue (southbound) make a right turn to Mo. Ignacia Avenue
– From Mo. Ignacia Avenue makes a left turn to Sgt. Esguerra Avenue
– From EDSA/Quezon Avenue (southbound) make a right turn to Panay Avenue or Mo. Ignacia Avenue
– From Panay Avenue or Mo. lgnacia Avenue make a Left turn to Sgt. Esguerra Avenue
– From Sgt. Esguerra Avenue continues straight to 11th Jamboree
– From Kamuning Road take the EDSA Service Road
– From 11th Jamboree Avenue make a left turn to Kamuning Road
– From EDSA/Quezon Avenue (southbound) make a right turn to Eugenio Lopez Jr.
– From Eugenio Lopez Jr. Dr or Scout Borromeo make a left turn to Sgt. Esguerra Avenue
– From EDSA/Quezon Avenue (southbound) make a right turn to Scout Borromeo St.
– From Sgt. Esguerra Avenue make a left turn to Timog Avenue
– From Eugenio Lopez Jr. Dr or Scout Borromeo St. make a left turn to Samar Avenue
– From Samar Avenue make a left turn to Timog Avenue
The MMDA stated that motorists may also use the Mabuhay Lane.