By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz | Philippine News Agency
MANILA – The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has announced temporary road closures in the vicinity of three universities in the city of Manila during the 2020/21 Bar examinations on Feb. 4 and 6.
In a traffic advisory on Monday (Jan. 31), the MMDA said several roads near the University of Santo Tomas (UST), Far Eastern University (FEU), and the De La Salle University (DLSU) would be closed and parking within the vicinity of the exam venues is prohibited.
“The actual time of closing and opening of affected roads will be based on the actual traffic situation,” the MMDA said.
Near UST, the westbound lane of España Boulevard from Lacson Avenue to P. Noval will be closed.
Motorists who wish to drive through the affected area are advised to turn right at A.H. Lacson, left to Dapitan, or left to A. Mendoza to their destination.
“All vehicles from southbound of A.H Lacson Ave. shall go straight to Nagtahan to point of destination,” the MMDA said.
Near FEU, the westbound lane of N. Reyes Street from España Boulevard to C.M. Recto Avenue will be closed.
“All vehicles coming from España Blvd. intending to utilize the westbound lane of N. Reyes shall turn right to P. Campa St., turn left to A. Mendoza going to CM Recto to point of destination,” the MMDA said.
The southbound lane of Taft Avenue from Quirino Avenue to Estrada Street, near DLSU, will also be closed.
It advised motorists who wish to utilize the southbound lane of Taft Avenue going to Makati City or Pasay City to turn right to Quirino Avenue, left to Adriatico to P. Ocampo to point of destination.
“All vehicles traveling eastbound of Quirino Ave. intending to utilize the southbound lane of Taft Ave. going to Makati/Pasay area shall turn right to L. Guinto St., right to Estrada St., left to Taft Ave. to point of destination,” the MMDA said.
A “stop-and-go” traffic scheme will be implemented on España Boulevard, N. Reyes Street, and Taft Avenue during the drop-off of Bar examinees.
Earlier, the Supreme Court postponed the 2020/21 Bar examination, originally scheduled on Jan. 23 and 25, to Feb. 4 and 6 as a large number of examinees were unavailable due to COVID-19 — with many either sick, taking care of the sick, or under quarantine.
About 16.8% of the 8,546 Bar examinees who have responded to an email sent by the Office of the Bar Chairperson are either positive of COVID-19, living with someone infected with COVID-19, or under quarantine due to direct contact with someone positive. (PNA) -ag
