MMDA to expand clearing operations along Roxas Blvd

After its operations had successfully cleared traffic obstructions in the Baclaran area, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority announced on Monday that it would expand its clearing operations along Roxas Boulevard's service road up to T.M. Kalaw in Manila.

MMDA General Manager Tim Orbos said in a statement that, as part of their clearing operations, business establishments and government offices would be informed that vehicles parked illegally on the service road from Vito Cruz to T.M. Kalaw would be towed and impounded.

Orbos said the MMDA would also dismantle road obstructions, such as stalls, bollards and unauthorized signages, to ensure a smoother traffic flow.

“Like what we did in Baclaran, we had informed them that the service road should be cleared of obstruction to allow the unhampered flow of traffic. They have no choice but to comply,” Orbos explained.

During last month's clearing operations, vehicles parked illegally on the service road from C. Rivera Street in Baclaran up to EDSA, were towed and impounded.

The sidewalks had also been cleared of vendors in time for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit in Manila.

Orbos added that the successful operations in Baclaran were the product of consultations and coordination the MMDA had with various stakeholders in the area, including barangay chairmen and local government officials.

President Rodrigo Duterte had also been kept up to date on the MMDA's progress in easing Metro Manila's traffic congestion.

“We have been informing them of President Duterte’s directive to decongest not only Roxas Blvd. but also the rest of the roads and streets in Metro Manila to ease the traffic condition,” Orbos said.

He added that motorists would be able to use the four lanes of the service road, from Vito Cruz up to T. M. Kalaw, once the clearing operations were finished. — Joseph Tristan Roxas/DVM, GMA News