Roadworks on España expected to worsen traffic in UST area

MANILA, Philippines – Expect heavy traffic in – or better yet, avoid – the University of Santo Tomas area in Manila in the next two months.

The Deparment of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will be closing portions of España Boulevard from May 15 to July 13 to do concreting and drainage improvement work.

In a report, Medel Chua, district engineer of the DPWH, said the scope of work covers the drainage improvement of existing drainage line at the corner of España Boulevard and P. Campa Street. 

The project involves raising the grade of concrete pavement from Lerma to P. Campa Street and widening the road sections between Paquita and R. Papa streets, a lane going to Quiapo. 

The construction of España Boulevard is funded as a regular infrastructure project under Republic Act 10417, and costs P14.35 million. Contractor Steven Construction and Supply is undertaking the project.

“The implementation was postponed/deferred at the time to reduce traffic due to the construction/completion of Quezon Avenue Underpass…and thereafter the proposed of España Boulevard Underpass and A.H Lacson Flyover,” Chua said. 

DPWH sought understanding from the public, citing in particular the traffic congestion that would be caused by the concreting with drainage improvement of España Boulevard. 

UST has moved the opening of its school year to July 14 this year.

“We will deploy 22 traffic aides/enforcers equipped with a two-way radio communication to assist the (Manila) city (government) and MMDA traffic enforcers. The construction activities will be on a 24/7 basis,” he said. 

DPWH announced the alternative routes:

Northbound

• from Quezon Blvd., take A. Mendoza, Laon Laan, and Dimasalang 
• from Quezon Blvd., take A. Mendoza, J. Barlin, and P. Noval, España Blvd.
• from Quezon Blvd., take CM Recto Ave., Legarda, Earnshaw, SH Loyola
• from Taft Ave., take Ayala, P. Casal, Legarda, Earnshow, and  SH Loyola

Southbound

• from Quezon Ave., take Kanlaon, P. Florentino/P. Margal/Dapitan, A. Mendoza, and Quezon Blvd.
• from Rodriguez Ave., take Josefina, J. Fajardo, Earnshaw, Legarda, and CM. Recto Ave.
• from España Blvd., take AH Lacson, Earnshaw, Legarda, and CM Recto Ave. 
• from España Blvd., take Adelina, A. Mendoza, and Quezon Blvd.

– Rappler.com