MMDA opens zipper lane along Tramo Road

MANILA, Philippines - In a bid to make travel to the airport faster for the All Souls’ Day rush, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) yesterday opened a “zipper lane” along the southbound lane of Tramo Road in Pasay City.

MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said the zipper lane starts at the center island at the foot of the Tramo Road flyover that was opened up to serve as the lane’s entrance.

Tolentino said the zipper lane will bypass the Pasay City Public Cemetery and will be used by motorists going to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 and by those turning left to Andrews Avenue.

Tolentino added that the MMDA will allow motorists to turn left at the Tramo Road-Andrews Avenue intersection going to EDSA round-the-clock starting yesterday until Nov. 4.

The MMDA has also opened up the service road along the Coastal Road from Don Galo to the MIA Road. Motorists coming from the Skyway could also use Doña Soledad Avenue in going to NAIA Terminal 1 and NAIA Terminal 2.

In addition, the MMDA will also modify the rotunda in front of the Villamor Airbase Hospital to create an additional lane for motorists going to NAIA Terminal 3.

The MMDA also advised motorists to use the Airport Road in going to the NAIA Terminal 3 and the Domestic Airport Terminal from Roxas Boulevard instead of using the NAIA/MIA Road.

Meanwhile, Tolentino said there would be no re-blocking and road repairs along Roxas Boulevard over the weekend.

Airport ready for Undas travelers

The NAIA terminals are ready to accommodate thousands of passengers bound for different provinces for the weekend, an official said Wednesday.

The Department of Transportation and Communications and the Manila International Airport Authority launched “Oplan Undas” to ensure passenger safety for the All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day weekend, MIAA media affairs head Connie Bungag said.

She said they set up help desks – composed of airport police, members of the public affairs office, medical practitioners and security personnel – to help travelers and protect them from criminals.

Bungag said they put up several medical tents at different terminals as they expect large crowds.

Airline personnel will closely monitor travelers’ luggage so no items are left behind or placed on the wrong flight, she added. – Mike Frialde, Rudy Santos