MMDA: Expect heavy traffic this weekend as vacationers return to Metro Manila

Motorists may expect heavier traffic this weekend as vacationers return to Manila after the holidays, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority said, according to a report by Mark Salazar on GMA News TV's Balitanghali Weekend.

"Buong weekend ho bibigat na 'yung daloy ng trapiko pero ine-expect ho namin na hindi sila magsasabay-sabay," MMDA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Celine Pialago said.

"Isa lang po 'yung sigurado. By Monday balik na ho sa normal ang lahat ng sitwasyon ng kalsada sa Metro Manila. 'Yung oras na walang pinipiling rush hour, 'yon ho ang normal situation natin sa Metro Manila," she added.

The normal volume of traffic on EDSA per day is 410,000. During the holidays, traffic volume did not reach 100,000 per day.

MMDA and its 2,000 enforcers are bracing for the traffic expected to build up at choke points.

One such choke point is Old Samson Road in Balintawak, Quezon City, which was so full of obstructions that vehicles could not pass through. Traffic on the said road only became smooth when a traffic enforcer arrived as members of media were already at the area.

Meanwhile, vehicles continued to park illegally on EDSA Balintawak in areas designated no loading and unloading. A traffic enforcer shooed the vehicles away after the media filmed the situation.

Pialago said the MMDA will check on traffic enforcers not fulfilling their duty. 

Students and office workers are expected to troop back to their classes and work on Monday after the long Christmas and New Year holidays. —KG, GMA News