Work continues at the Metro Manila Subway Project - Phase 1 at the corner of Mindanao Avenue and Quirino Highway in Quezon City on July 26, 2022. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News/File

MANILA — Drivers brace for heavy traffic conditions following the closure of some parts of Mindanao Avenue in Quezon City, which took effect early Sunday morning.

Authorities placed road barriers in the middle portion of the avenue to make space for the ongoing construction of the Tandang Sora Station of the Manila Subway Project.

Traffic was light following the closure, but drivers anticipate heavier congestion in the coming weeks.

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Although sections of Mindanao Avenue have been closed, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and its contractor said diversion roads have been opened to maintain the current number of lanes.

“Gumawa kayo (contractor) ng diversion road dyan din sa lugar na isasara para ma-accommodate yung mga sasakyan, so in effect walang bawas na lane,” said Don Artes, chairperson of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, during a press conference.

(You should create a diversion road to accommodate vehicles, so, in effect, there will be no lane reduction)

“So I think di naman masyadong maaapektuhan ang traffic, if ever very minimal dahil ibinuka niyo rin naman ang kalsada,” he added.

(I don't think traffic will be affected too much.)

However, Ferdinand Pagdanganan, an MMDA traffic aide patrolling Mindanao Avenue early in the morning, said traffic would inevitably build up as construction supplies are transported toward the central portion of the road.

“Naho-hold lang traffic pag may pinapasok silang mga cement, yung mga materials na kailangan sa subway. The best na gagawin niyo ay maaga po kayo para hindi kayo ma-traffic… pag rush hour na, puno na yung daan ng mga sasakyan,” Pagdanganan said.

(Traffic will be on hold as they bring in cement and other materials for the subway. The best thing is to do it early, before rush hour)

The middle portion of Mindanao Avenue is expected to reopen to vehicles by 2028, according to Artes.

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