By Jaimes R. C. Sumbilon
Motorists are advised of upcoming road closures this weekend in Manila, as preparations are underway for the inauguration of the Pasig River Esplanade project.
According to a traffic advisory, the city government released a plan for rerouting traffic on Saturday and Sunday around the Manila Post Office area.
Starting from midnight on Saturday, June 22, until June 23, the following roads will be closed to vehicular traffic: Intramuros to Binondo Bridge Northbound and Southbound; Magallanes Drive (from Plaza Mexico to Jones Bridge); Plaza Lawton (from Jones Bridge to McArthur Bridge).
Alternative routes were provided for vehicles heading to the Port Area: Proceed via Padre Burgos Avenue, turn right onto Katigbak, then right onto Bonifacio Drive, continue straight to Anda Circle, and proceed to the destination.
The first phase of the Pasig River Esplanade Project, located behind the Manila Post Office, opened last February.
This 25-kilometer project will eventually span five cities in Metro Manila, featuring jogging paths, bike lanes and commercial areas with retail stores and cafes for visitors.
Meanwhile, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWD) has also announced scheduled reblocking and repair operations on several roads starting tonight at 11 p.m. until 5 a.m. on Monday, June 24.
The affected roads include Regalado Avenue (northbound) heading toward North Caloocan, Tandang Sora Avenue, Quirino Highway, Congressional Avenue Ext., North Avenue NB before Sen. Mirriam P. Defensor-Santiago Avenue, Congressional Avenue Ext. near UP Professors Village, Mindanao Avenue from Petron to Alley 15, Mindanao Avenue before Don Jose St., Congressional Avenue Ext. near Hide Away, Sgt. Rivera corner Skyway Bypass Road to A. Bonifacio Ave., A. Bonifacio Avenue from 5th Avenue to Cloverleaf interchange EDSA, Quirino Highway from Sagitarius St. to corner Mindanao Avenue, Quirino Highway from Baesa Cemetery to Masagana and Mendez Road to Baesa Road, and Commonwealth Avenue from Luzon Avenue to Central Avenue in Quezon City.
The DPWH is committed to completing these repairs to ensure that all affected roads are fully accessible by 5 a.m. on June 24.
The agency advises motorists to seek alternative routes during this period.