M M D A b a r e s t r a f f i c r e r o u t i n g p l a n s f o r S k ywa y S t a g e 3 c o n s t r u c t i o n a t N L E X

B a l i n t a wa k
By Susan G. De Leon
Published on February 12, 2019
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1018361
QUEZON CITY, Feb. 12 (PIA)--The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and NLEX Corporation has
implemented a major traffic rerouting plan to allow San Miguel Corporation-led Citra Central Expressway
Corporation (CCEC) to proceed with the full-blast construction of its Skyway Stage 3 project in certain portions
of NLEX Balintawak this month.

MMDA General Manager Jojo Garcia said, “We are appealing for the patience and understanding of the public,
but we are also assuring them that MMDA, NLEX, and Skyway teams will exert all efforts to minimize travel
delays despite the ongoing construction.”

The project aims to solve traffic congestion in Metro Manila and improve the country’s transport and logistics
industry.

The Skyway Stage 3 is the elevated road project of CCEC that will connect the SLEX and NLEX from Buendia,
Makati City to Bagong Barrio, Caloocan City crossing the EDSA Balintawak cloverleaf. Target com pletion of
the project is by December 2019.

According to CCEC, construction works will be conducted on a kilometer stretch of NLEX Balintawak. This will
affect traffic in Balintawak Cloverleaf, Camachile, and Bagong Barrio, including the east and west service
roads.

To ensure smooth flow of traffic within this area, certain areas of NLEX Balintawak were widened.
Furthermore, in their collective efforts to mitigate inconvenience to both NLEX and local road users during
Skyway Stage 3’s construction, the MMDA, NLEX, and CCEC implemented the following traffic rerouting
schemes Feb. 9, 11:00 pm until the end of the year.

Those from NLEX going to Quezon City may use Smart Connect Interchange heading to Mindanao Avenue. At
the Mindanao intersection, turn right going to Quezon City to destination.

Meanwhile, private cars, vans, PUJs from Quirino Highway bound for EDSA via Camachile are advised to
head to Camachile Flyover, turn right towards West Service Road then turn right at EDSA. For PUJs, they
should take a U-turn at Biglang Awa, turn right at Cloverleaf to A. Bonifacio (to Blumentritt) or take the
southeast loop to return to Novaliches. Those from NLEX going to Quezon City may use Smart Connect
Interchange heading to Mindanao Avenue. At the Mindanao intersection, turn right going to Quezon City to
destination.

Those from NLEX going to Quezon City may use Smart Connect Interchange heading to Mindanao Avenue. At
the Mindanao intersection, turn right going to Quezon City to destination.

Meanwhile, private cars, vans, PUJs from Quirino Highway bound for EDSA via Camachile are advised to
head to Camachile Flyover, turn right towards West Service Road then turn right at EDSA. For PUJs, they
should take a U-turn at Biglang Awa, turn right at Cloverleaf to A. Bonifacio (to Blumentritt) or take the
southeast loop to return to Novaliches.

As trucks from Quirino Highway going to A. Bonifacio will not be allowed at Camachile, they are advised to
head towards Mindanao Avenue then turn left at NLEX Mindanao entry going to Smart Connect Interchange
towards NLEX southbound. The same scheme goes for trucks from Congressional to A. Bonifacio/Port Area.

For private cars and vans from EDSA Muñoz to Port Area, head to Monumento crossing Balintawak Cloverleaf,
turn left at De Jesus Street, head straight to C3 then at the C3 intersection, turn right to Port Area.
Aside from closing some lanes at NLEX Balintawak, the plan also includes closing the ramp from EDSA
northbound to A. Bonifacio.

The NLEX management pointed out that private vehicles from NLEX going Balintawak southbound will have
the option to choose their preferred routes, PUJs and UV Express units will follow their specific routes, while
buses will keep on their designated franchise routes. On the other hand, trucks coming from NLEX will not be
rerouted.

The MMDA and NLEX Corporation, in close coordination with CCEC and local government units, guarantee
that traffic patrol officers and marshals will be deployed to manage the flow of vehicles within the construction
area and alternate routes.

Directional traffic signs will also be put up at strategic locations to better guide motorists. Real-time traffic
updates at the NLEX will be posted on electronic variable message signs and announced via social media
accounts.

“We are hoping that with all these preparations in place, our motorists and commuters can plan their trips
ahead and reach their destinations safe and on time,” Garcia noted. (PIA-NCR)