MMDA opens 'Christmas lanes' to decongest traffic at EDSA

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) opened on Friday the so-called "Christmas lanes" or alternate routes for motorists using Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (EDSA). MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino urged motorists to use these lanes especially when traffic during the Christmas shopping season peaks during the day. "For their own convenience, we are asking the public to use these alternate routes. We will clear these routes of obstructions and detail traffic enforcers to assist them," Tolentino said in an article posted on the MMDA website. Tolentino met with mall operators and representatives of commercial districts along EDsA at the MMDA office in Makati City. Tolentino said he has directed the Traffic Engineering Center (TEC) and concerned MMDA units to put up directional signs along the Christmas lane routes to guide motorists. Tolentino said these alternate routes are not being utilized fully, resulting in further congestion along EDSA. He said these were the same routes used during the construction of the EDSA Metro Rail Transit (MRT) 3 in the late 1990s. The Christmas lanes start at both north and south entry points of EDSA. For northbound motorists going south, they may use McArthur Highway, right turn to Samson Road, C-4/Letre, R-10, A. Bonifacio, Roxas Boulevard to destination. Motorists coming from the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) can exit at various points, most importantly at the newly constructed Mindanao Avenue access ramp. From south to north, the Christmas lanes start at Coastal Road and South Luzon Expressway (SLEX). "Our objective is for private motorists to bypass EDSA, thus, reducing traffic volume along Edsa," Tolentino said. To ensure unimpeded travel, the MMDA will also conduct continuous clearing of all forms of obstructions along these routes. Potholes and other road nuisances will also be immediately repaired. Mabuhay lanes He said once this is successful, the Christmas lanes will eventually be renamed "Mabuhay lanes." An online map of the Christmas lanes can be accessed on the MMDA website. For Private Vehicles from North to South: From McArthur Highway Right turn to Samson Road, C-4/Letre, R-10, A. Bonifacio, Roxas Blvd., to their destination. From North Luzon Expressway Exit at Mindanao Avenue Access Ramp, right at Mindanao Ave., left at Congressional, right at Tandang Sora crossing Commonwealth flyover, Katipunan Avenue, C-5, to their destination. Exit at Mindanao Ave., Access Ramp, right at Mindanao Ave., left at North Avenue, QMC, right at Kalayaan, left at Kamias rd. right at Anonas, left at Aurora Blvd., right at Katipunan Avenue, C-5, to their destination. Straight at A. Bonifacio Ave, left at C-3 - Araneta Ave., right at Aurora Blvd, R. Magsaysay Blvd., left at Nagtahan - P. Quirino Avenue, left at South Super Highway to destination. From West Avenue, right at Quezon Avenue, U-turn near Magbanua, right at Roces, right at T. Morato, right at E. Rodriguez, left at Gilmore, right at N. Domingo, left at Pinaglabanan, right at P. Guevarra, right at Shaw Blvd., left at Nueve de Pebrero, Maysilo, Francisco, Mandaluyong Makati Bridge, to their destination. From Roosevelt, right turn at Quezon Avenue, U- turn after G. Araneta, right turn at Aurora Blvd., Magsaysay Blvd., left at Nagtahan, Pres. Quirino, left at SSH, to their destination. Mo. Ignacia left at Timog Ave. right at T. Morato, right at E. Rodriguez, left at Gilmore, right at N. Domingo, left at Pinaglabanan, right at P. Guevarra, right at Shaw Blvd., left at Nueve de Pebrero, Maysilo, Francisco, Mandaluyong Makati Bridge, to their destination. Kamias Road left at T. Morato, right at E. Rodriguez, left at Gilmore, right at N. Domingo, left at Pinaglabanan, right at P. Guevarra, right at Shaw Blvd., left at Nueve de Pebrero, Maysilo, Francisco, Mandaluyong Makati Bridge, to their destination. Shaw Blvd. left at Nueve de Pebrero, Maysilo, Francisco, Mandaluyong Makati Bridge, to their destination. For Private Vehicles from North to South: From Coastal Road Expressway Straight at Roxas blvd to R10 right at C4, Samson road to their destination. From South Luzon Expressway Exit to C-5, Katipunan, Tandang Sora Ave., U-turn at Congressional, right to Mindanao Ave., to their destination. Pres.Osmeña highway, right turn to P. Quirino, Nagtahan, right at Magsaysay Blvd. left at C3 Araneta Ave. right at A.Bonifacio to their destination. From Makati Area take Makati - Mandaluyong Bridge right at Fancisco, Maysilo, Nueve de Pebrero left at Shaw Blvd. right at Wilson left at Ortigas Ave./ Granada, Hemady, right at E. Rodriguez , left at Tomas Morato left at Timog Ave. then right at Quezon Ave to QMC right at Visayas Ave.left at congressional Ave. right at Mindanao Ave. to their destination. From Makati Area take Makati - Mandaluyong Bridge right at Fancisco, Maysilo, Nueve de Pebrero left at Shaw Blvd. right at Wilson left at Ortigas Ave./ Granada, Hemady, right at E. Rodriguez , left at Tomas Morato left at Kamuning/ Kamias to their destination. From Makati Area take Makati - Mandaluyong Bridge right at Fancisco, Maysilo, Nueve de Pebrero left at Shaw Blvd. to their destination. – VVP, GMANews.TV