Quezon city: A zipper lane or counterflow traffic scheme will be implemented along Commonwealth Avenue on July 28 to accommodate government officials and guests attending President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has issued a traffic advisory urging motorists to consider alternate routes to avoid anticipated heavy traffic along Commonwealth Avenue and IBP Road. For those traveling north from Quezon Memorial Circle to Fairview, the MMDA recommends taking North Avenue, then turning right at Mindanao Avenue, followed by a right turn at Sauyo Rd. or proceeding via Quirino Highway to reach their destination. Southbound motorists from Fairview to Quezon Memorial Circle should consider taking Sauyo Rd. or Quirino Highway, then turning left at Mindanao Avenue, and finally left at North Avenue.
The advisory also specifies routes for light and heavy vehicles. Light vehicles from C5 Rd. can turn left at Magiting St., right at Maginhawa St., left at Mayaman St., to Kalayaan Ave., and onward to their destination. Meanwhile, trucks and large vehicles from C5 Rd. along Katipunan Ave. are advised to take the Luzon Flyover and turn left at Congressional Avenue.
MMDA Chairperson Romando Artes emphasized the implementation of a 'no-day-off, no-absent' policy on SONA day, deploying 1,329 personnel from various agency units to manage vehicular and pedestrian traffic. These personnel will also be on standby for emergency response, road clearing, and crowd control. The MMDA will deploy ambulances, tow trucks, fire trucks, mobile patrol units, motorcycle units, and flood mitigation equipment at designated routes and staging areas. Additionally, traffic advisory signage, plastic barriers, and traffic cones will be installed along zipper lanes and affected roads.
The MMDA Mobile Command Center, equipped with CCTV monitors, will be stationed at Batasan corner Commonwealth area, and SONA protests will be monitored from the MMDA Communications and Command Center in Pasig City. To ensure a smooth flow of traffic, the MMDA Special Operations Group-Task Force will conduct road and sidewalk clearing operations against illegally parked vehicles around the Batasang Pambansa.
