The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Wednesday released its traffic management plan for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s 2nd State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the House of Representatives in Quezon City on July 24.

In a statement, MMDA chair Don Artes said a zipper lane or counterflow would be implemented on the southbound portion of Commonwealth Avenue for the vehicles of government officials and guests going to the complex.

“Motorists are advised to take alternate routes to avoid the expected heavy traffic along Commonwealth Avenue and in the vicinity of the Batasang Pambansa Complex during the SONA,” Artes said.

For those headed northbound – from Quezon Memorial Circle to Fairview – they may take North Avenue from Elliptical Road, turn right at Mindanao Avenue, turn right at Sauyo Road, or take Quirino Highway to reach their destination.

On the other hand, those headed southbound – from Fairview to Quezon Memorial Circle – may take Sauyo Road or Quirino Highway from Commonwealth Avenue, turn left at Mindanao Avenue, and turn left at North Avenue to reach their destination.

An alternative northbound route – from Quezon Memorial Circle to Fairview via Marikina City – would also be available for light vehicles.

From C5 Road, take a left at Magiting Street, turn right at Maginhawa Street, turn left at Mayaman Street, and to Kalayaan Avenue to reach their destination.

For trucks and other heavy vehicles, they may take the Luzon flyover from C-5 along Katipunan Avenue, turn left at Congressional Avenue, and to their destination.

“Traffic advisory signage will be installed along alternate routes to serve as a guide for motorists. Audiovisual trucks along strategic locations showing the policy programs of the MMDA and the live speech of the President will also be deployed,” he said.

A total of 1,354 MMDA personnel are tasked to manage both vehicular and pedestrian traffic in the area, as well as assist in emergencies, and conduct road and sidewalk clearing operations.

They will also support the operations of the Task Force SONA 2023, the Philippine National Police, Quezon City Police District, the Presidential Security Group, and the Quezon City government.

“Preparations are in full swing for us to ensure that traffic will be orderly along Commonwealth Avenue, IBP Road, and all other thoroughfares surrounding the House of Representatives. SONA-related activities as well as the transport strike will be monitored at the newly inaugurated MMDA Communications and Command Center,” he said.

He noted that a “no day off, no absent” policy for personnel assigned at the SONA will be implemented.

“Ambulances, tow trucks, mobile patrol units, motorcycle units, and flood mitigation equipment, among others, will also be dispatched at designated routes and staging areas,” he said. (PNA)