By Brian Campued
As surges of travelers bound for provinces are expected ahead of and during the Holy Week, the administration is keen on improving road networks and easing traffic congestion to ensure efficient mobility, especially in the busy, bustling metropolis.
This was underscored by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. as he led the inspection and opening of a new westbound off-ramp connecting the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Expressway (NAIAX) directly to the NAIA Terminal 3 in Pasay City.
In a media statement Friday, the President said the 320-meter, two-lane ramp is expected to significantly ease congestion and reduce travel time for motorists.
“Maiiwasan ang traffic dito. It will save approximately one [and a] half hour ng traffic sa ating mga commuters, sa ating mga travelers,” he said.
“At ito ay isang bahagi lamang sa mga ating ginagawa para—lalong-lalong na [sa] paghanda sa Holy Week.”
The project also included road widening work at the Circulo del Mundo Rotunda to enhance traffic capacity in the area and shorten travel time to NAIA Terminal 3 by approximately 15 to 25 minutes, benefitting motorists coming from the South Luzon Expressway and Lawton area, according to the Presidential Communications Office.
As part of the preparations for the Holy Week exodus, the Chief Executive said additional connector roads linking Manila–Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX) to C-5 as well as routes leading to Cabanatuan City in Nueva Ecija are set to be opened to provide further relief to travelers.
“Kaya patuloy natin pinabubuksan lahat ng mga ating kalsada upang mas madali ang magiging travel sa ating mga kababayan, lalong-lalo na ngayon na may Holy Week,” Marcos said.
Also present during the inspection were Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon; Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez; Toll Regulatory Board Executive Director, Atty. Jose Arturo Tugade; Pasay City Mayor Imelda Calixto-Rubiano; and San Miguel Corporation (SMC) Chair and CEO Ramon Ang.
SMC is the Concessionaire and Operator of the project which was constructed to complement the modernization of NAIA under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) program.
-jpv
