Over 40 road projects continue as school opens, rains come

Expect traffic congestion in the streets of Metro Manila as more than 40 road works continue with the  scheduled opening of school and the expected onset of the rainy season next week, a report on “24 Oras” said on Thursday.

 

Four of the projects involve major road repair while the others involve drainage improvements.

 

The projects are meant to address the issue of flooding such as the one España Boulevard in Manila.

 

Government contractors are working 24 hours a day to finish its upgrade. 

 

According to one of the workers, the road project was expected to be finished by July 14 but the onset of rains may hamper construction schedule.

 

“Pag ka umulan ng malakas, hundred percent kami ay magpapahinga muna. Pero pag ito'y ulan na huminto naman ang trabaho namin ay 24 hours. Tuloy-tuloy hanggang magdamag,” the worker said.

 

But Metro Manila Development Authority Chairman Francis Tolentino said they already have contingency plans meant to ease the problem of flooding before the road works projects are finished.

 

“Makikita mo diyan yung mga mobile pumps namin at hopefully 'yung paglilinis namin ng estero ay makatulong para lumaki yung absorptive capacity ng waterways,” Tolentino said.

 

To avoid the expected heavy traffic, Tolentino advised motorists to use alternate routes designated by the MMDA.

 

Road improvement projects are ongoing in Sta. Mesa while flood control projects are being undertaken on Osmeña Highway and on Villarama Street in Makati.

 

The construction of the Skyway on Osmeña Highway will also result in the closure of one lane of the Magallanes Interchange to be closed down from 11 p.m. on Thursday night to 12 a.m. on Friday.

 

The same portion of the highway will also be closed for repair between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. for a month starting Friday. —Andrei Medina/NB, GMA News