MMDA Prepares for Smooth Traffic Flow During Marcos Jr.'s 4th SONA

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is gearing up to manage traffic flow for President Marcos Jr.'s fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 28. MMDA Acting Chairman Don Artes announced plans to open a zipper lane along Elliptical corner Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City to facilitate the movement of government officials and guests heading to the SONA venue at Batasang Pambansa. Motorists are advised to use alternate routes to avoid congestion along Commonwealth Avenue and IBP Road.

Key alternate routes include:

• Northbound: Elliptical Road to Fairview via North Avenue or Quirino Highway
• Southbound: Commonwealth Avenue to Quezon Memorial Circle via Sauyo Road or Quirino Highway
• Light vehicles from C5 Road can use Magiting Street, Maginhawa Street, and Mayaman Street to Kalayaan Avenue
• Trucks from C-5 along Katipunan Avenue should take the Luzon Flyover to Congressional Avenue

Over 1,300 personnel will be deployed to manage traffic, respond to emergencies, and assist with crowd control. The MMDA will enforce a 'no dayoff, no absent' policy for field traffic personnel. Ambulances, tow trucks, fire trucks, and other resources will be strategically placed along routes. Traffic advisory signage, plastic barriers, and cones will guide motorists, while a mobile command center equipped with CCTV monitors will monitor traffic at Batasan corner Commonwealth. Another command center in Pasig City will oversee protest actions.

The MMDA also conducted clearing operations near Batasang Pambansa Complex to remove illegally parked vehicles and sidewalk vendors.