MMDA eyes closer cooperation with DPWH on infra projects

MANILA, Philippines - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) called yesterday for closer coordination with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to avert any major traffic gridlocks as two major infrastructure projects go into full swing.

 “It is important that the DPWH coordinate with the MMDA. With proper coordination, the traffic situation could be managed,” said Crisanto Saruca, head of the MMDA’s Traffic Discipline Office.

MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino yesterday advised motorists to brace for traffic gridlocks as the construction on Skyway 3 project and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Expressway Phase 2 start in earnest.

The two projects are part of a total of 15 major infrastructure projects to be done across Metro Manila until 2016. The Skyway 3 project and the NAIA Expressway Phase 2 project started last Feb. 17.

Saruca said that it would be most helpful if work on these projects continue even during weekends and holidays and even at night. He said while the DPWH has assured that work on these projects would continue round-the-clock, construction work on these projects is not done by the DPWH but by contractors.

‘Make contractors accountable’

During the MMDA Traffic Management Summit 2 held at the Asian Institute of Management last February, Tolentino appealed to the contractors of the 15 major infrastructure projects slated to be completed in 2016 to be accountable for the safety and traffic management concerns of their respective projects.

Tolentino said the MMDA is willing to train the contractors’ flagmen in traffic management.

“I am asking the contractors to be accountable enough. We will train your flagmen on traffic management, but don’t leave the traffic enforcers of Makati, Quezon City and Manila when problems crop up,” he said.

Tolentino also strressed on the importance of keeping the project sites safe for pedestrians and convenient to motorists by providing alternate routes and safe walkways.

Tolentino called on Metro residents, commuters and motorists to be prepared to make lifestyle and commuting changes as the construction of the 15 major infrastructure projects get underway.

Aside from the Skyway Stage 3 and the NAIA Expressway Phase 2 project, also scheduled for construction within the next coming months are the Gil Puyat-Makati-Avenue-Paseo de Roxas underpass, Sta. Monica-Lawton Avenue bridge, C.P. Garcia Avenue-McKinley Hill ramp, repair and asphalt overlay of Magallanes Interchange, EDSA-Taft Avenue flyover, MRT Line 3/LRT Line 1 extension common station, LRT Line 2 East extension up to Masinag, LRT Line 1 Extension (Cavite), EDSA-Roosevelt Avenue interchange, España Avenue-Lacson Avenue interchange, repair and rehabilitation and improvement of South Superhighway Makati, the NLEX-SLEX connector road and the EDSA-West Avenue-North Avenue interchange.

Smooth start for C-5 truck lane

Meanwhile, Saruca said the first day of the implementation of the “one truck lane” policy on C-5 Road was off to a smooth start.

He said he himself felt the convenience brought about by the new policy as it only took him 25 minutes to drive from Greenmeadows in Pasig to the MMDA headquarters in Makati City.

“There are some motorists who say it helped speed up traffic flow, while some said there was no change. As for me, this is better,” Saruca said.

The policy, which will be in effect until Jan. 31, 2015, affects the section of C-5 Road from Bagong Ilog in Pasig to Eastwood in Libis, Quezon City.

Saruca said the single truck lane will be extended to the C.P. Garcia area in Katipunan on Sept. 13. This will affect trucks turning left on C.P. Garcia Avenue on their way to Commonwealth Avenue.

Enforcers go after bikers

The MMDA has also formed a special unit to go after motorcyclists who do not use the designated motorcycle lanes on EDSA, C-5 Road, Commonwealth Avenue and Macapagal Boulevard.

Saruca said 38 motorcycle riders were nabbed by the agency’s special unit during its initial operation yesterday along C-5 Road.

“When they were stopped by our enforcers, these riders asked where the motorcycle lane was. We pointed to the lane marked in blue paint,” he said.

Saruca said motorcyclists caught not using the blue motorcycle lanes will be stopped, issued violation tickets and made to pay the P500 fine.

According to Saruca, the MMDA has decided to form a special team to show motorcyclists that the agency is serious in enforcing the use of the motorcycle lane on the major roads to prevent road accidents. He added that many motorcyclists are now ignoring the motorcycle lanes and this could lead to serious road accidents.

When the motorcycle lane policy was first enforced on Feb. 20, 2012, MMDA traffic constables nabbed 249 offenders on EDSA.