MMDA: Expect heavy traffic as MRT7 construction on Elliptical Road starts Maundy Thursday

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Tuesday announced the closure of three lanes of the Elliptical Road in Quezon City for the Metro Rail Transit Line 7's (MRT7) construction starting Maundy Thursday.

MMDA spokesperson Celine Pialago told Unang Balita that orange barriers will be placed on both sides from Maharlika to Commonwealth Avenue by 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday in preparation for the construction efforts.

The construction at the Elliptical Road will start at noon on Thursday.

Motorists coming from Maharlika will be forced to re-route until Kalayaan Avenue to go around the exit points of the Quezon City Circle or straight to Commonwealth Avenue.

Re-routing plans for the MRT7 construction include Masaya Street and the Elliptical-Kalayaan Junction.

Motorists headed to Commonwealth Avenue from Masaya Street must stay on the right lane of Maharlika Street, Elliptical Road.

Those headed for Visayas and North Avenue must stay on the left side of Maharlika and right of Mayaman Street, Kalayaan Avenue, and Elliptical Road.

Motorists aiming for Commonwealth Avenue from the Elliptical-Kalayaan Junction must stay on the right lanes while those going to Visayas or North Avenue must stay on the left lanes.

Pialago noted that motorists forcing their way to Commonwealth Avenue from the innermost lanes of the Elliptical Road caused the most traffic in the area.

She said heavy traffic can be expected on Monday next week.

The MMDA, meanwhile, reminded motorists that the suspension of the number coding scheme on March 28 (Holy Wednesday) and April 2 (Monday) are only applicable to provincial and city buses.

MMDA ADVISORY: The UVVRP or Number Coding scheme is SUSPENDED on March 28, 2018 and April 2, 2018 for Provincial and City Buses only. This is in aid to passengers who will be commuting via bus on the said dates. #mmda

— Official MMDA (@MMDA) March 26, 2018

—Rie Takumi/ALG, GMA News