MMDA to open airport Christmas ‘loops’

MANILA, Philippines - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will open on Friday four “loops” that will serve as alternate routes for motorists going to Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminals 2, 3 and 4 during the Christmas rush.

The loops will be open until Jan. 3, 2015, MMDA assistant general manager for operations Emerson Carlos said.

The “maroon” loop will take motorists from South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) to the airport through Dr. A. Santos Avenue (Sucat), Kabihasnan and the Coastal Road or Dongalo Service Road. 

The “violet” loop would take motorists from Manila to the domestic airport by passing through Roxas Boulevard, Airport Road and the Domestic Road. 

The “green” loop takes motorists from the Makati City area to the airport through SLEX or Skyway, Doña Soledad Avenue, E. Rodriguez Avenue, Kaingin Road, Multinational Avenue, Ninoy Aquino Avenue, NAIA Road and Domestic Road.

The “gold” loop meanwhile takes motorists from the Makati City area to the airport through SLEX or Skyway through Doña Soledad Avenue, E. Rodriguez Avenue, Kaingin Road, Multinational Avenue, Dr. A. Santos Avenue (Sucat Road), Ninoy Aquino Avenue and then to the airport.

In addition to the “airport loops” Carlos said the MMDA, will also be providing free shuttle buses to ferry passengers to and from the domestic airport terminals during the Christmas season.

Roxas Boulevard truck ban starts

Meanwhile, starting today, cargo trucks bound for SLEX will no longer be allowed to pass through Roxas Boulevard. The ban will be in place for six months. 

According to Carlos, with the ban on Roxas Boulevard, trucks from Manila’s Port Area going to SLEX will have to take Bonifacio Drive, turn to P. Burgos, Finance Road, to Ayala Boulevard, make a right to San Marcelino, left to Quirino Avenue, and then take a right to SLEX. 

Trucks coming from SLEX to Port Area will have to make a right turn at Quirino Avenue, take a left at Plaza Dilao, turn right at President Quirino Avenue Extension, make a left at UN Avenue, take a right at Romualdez St., make a left at Ayala Boulevard, to Finance Road, P. Burgos, and then make a right turn at Bonifacio Drive to Port Area.

Carlos said the new truck route will remain under the control and supervision of the joint Task Force Pantalan, composed of traffic enforcers from the MMDA and the police.