MMDA allows trucks on Roxas Blvd for 2 weeks

MANILA, Philippines – Starting Monday, February 2, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will allow trucks to pass through Roxas Boulevard.

In a press release, MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said the new scheme will only be temporary, and will be implemented to help ease the backlog in the operations of truckers during the holidays.

From February 2 to 15, 2015, trucks will be able to use Roxas Boulevard from 12 midnight to 5 am.

”This is just temporary, upon the request of Secretary Rene Almendras, head of the Cabinet Cluster on Port Congestion, because of the backlog in the operations of the truckers brought about by the holidays,” Tolentino said.

He added: “I am optimistic that this will somehow contribute to the government’s efforts to decongest the ports.”

The temporary arrangement, however, will not be implemented on the mornings of February 7 and 14 to avoid worsening the weekend traffic.

Last December, the agency regulated the passage of trucks along Roxas Boulevard in preparation for the Feast of the Black Nazarene and the papal visit in January.

Roxas Boulevard is also set to be rehabilitated by the public works department in preparation for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit later this year. – Rappler.com