Authorities on Monday advised motorists to brace for heavy traffic along Balintawak Interchange as one of its lanes going to North Luzon Expressway was ordered closed to give way to the ongoing construction of Skyway Stage 3 project.
“We suggest that motorists plan their trips accordingly because of the possible delays caused by the construction works, especially on Wednesday and the succeeding days,” said Jose Arturo Garcia Jr., general manager of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority.
Garcia said the agency gave the private contractors the go signal to start the road works after complying with the necessary requirements, including installation of project signages, traffic advisories and warning signs within the affected areas.
Beginning Monday night, one lane closure will be implemented on EDSA Balintawak (going to NLEX) for the construction of a vertical bridge support under the EDSA Bridge.
Light vehicles going to NLEX and Monumento may take the Balintawak Interchange ramp going to Cubao and take the U-turn slot after Cloverleaf Market going to NLEX.
Meanwhile, two lanes on top of EDSA Bridge (going to Cubao) will also be closed to traffic for the erection of an interconnection platform tower on top of EDSA Bridge.
Light vehicles coming from Monumento via EDSA before reaching Balintawak may turn right to A. de Jesus Street then left to C3 to destination.
Also, three lanes on the northbound direction (going to NLEX) and one lane on southbound direction (going to Manila) will be closed for eight nights or 11 pm to 5 am, from March 1 to March 9.
Motorists are advised to take the following alternate routes: (1) Light vehicles going to NLEX and Monumento may take the Balintawak Interchange Ramp going to Cubao and take the U-turn slot after Cloverleaf Market going to NLEX; (2) Light vehicles going to Novaliches and NLEX may take zipper lane at the left immediately before the construction site towards destination; and (3) Light vehicles from NLEX (going to Manila/Caloocan) may take the Balintawak Interchange Ramp going to Monumento via EDSA then left to A. De Jesus St. then left to C3 to destination.
The construction works will last for 20 days.
The Skyway Stage 3 project is a 14.8-kilometer elevated tollway project which connects Skyway/SLEX Buendia to NLEX Balintawak under the government’s “Build, Build, Build” program.