Road repairs along Maharlika Highway suspended during Holy Week break

Road repairs along Maharlika Highway in Quezon Province is suspended this week to prevent traffic jams amid the expected increase in out-of-town trips during the Holy Week break.

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon said this on Wednesday, despite some construction being "almost done."

“We need to pause because you can’t cause a traffic jam at the moment where a lot of vehicles are expected to ply the route. After all, we will resume soon after,” Dizon said.

“Grabe ang dagsa ng mga sasakyan ngayon,” he added.

(The vehicles are coming in droves.)

Dizon, however, said that traffic has been smooth in the area.

“The traffic flow has been smooth so far, but if ever there is an incident of congestion, we call on the public to inform us so we can address it right away,” Dizon said. 

“But so far, there is no stop-and-go scheme in place yet,” he added, referring to a situation wherein vehicles in northbound and southbound lanes take turns in passing the only lane available in the road. 

Dizon earlier conducted inspections on the Quezon-Bicol region segment of the Maharlika Highway and was visibly shaken by the topsy turvy bus ride.

In addition, Dizon called on the public to free main roads, especially national highways, of obstructions. 

“Let’s free our roads from obstruction so the public won’t be stuck in needless traffic jams and consequently, spend more for their fuel expenses,” Dizon said. —VAL, GMA News