Municipal planning authorities are locking in strict completion schedules for capital region roadworks to avert severe transit bottlenecks during upcoming international delegation movements.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has begun coordinating with government agencies, local government units (LGUs), and key stakeholders to finalize traffic management protocols and alternate routes for the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and related meetings scheduled for Nov. 16 to 18.
Speaking on the radio program Boses, MMDA Traffic Discipline Office Director for Enforcement Atty. Victor Nuñez said the agency has prioritized ensuring that active roadworks, particularly along EDSA, are completed strictly on schedule prior to the international gathering.
Nuñez explained that the accelerated construction timelines aim to prevent uncompleted road projects from disrupting general traffic flows and the movement of official summit delegates.
The MMDA is coordinating with local governments across Manila, Pasay, Parañaque, Taguig, and Makati, where major ASEAN delegate activities and conference sessions will take place.
Nuñez clarified that primary thoroughfares across Metro Manila will remain open, with traffic restrictions restricted mainly to the perimeter surrounding the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) complex.
Road closures surrounding the CCP and PICC complex are scheduled to take effect on Nov. 7 to permit security forces to establish control zones and prepare venue infrastructure ahead of the summit.