Southbound Section of Roxas Blvd to be closed for repair

Back in December, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said that it planned to close a section of Roxas Boulevard due to a damaged drainage structure. While the agency did announce plans, the MMDA did not set a date when the section of the road will be closed.

That all changes today. The MMDA announced that starting January 15, 2022, at 6:00 AM, the southbound portion of Roxas Boulevard, fronting HK Plaza up to the EDSA-Roxas flyover, will be closed to traffic.

In a virtual press briefing, MMDA Chairman Benhur Abalos said that the rehabilitation must be done immediately by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to repair the badly-damaged box culvert.

“According to DPWH, because of the structural integrity of their project, the structure might weaken,” said Abalos.

Once the southbound section is closed, the MMDA will deploy additional traffic enforcers for the entire duration of the rehabilitation. They will also implement a zipper lane or counterflow traffic scheme for light vehicles, but it will be done on a case-to-case basis.

But how long will the rehabilitation work last? According to Miknung Macud, District Engineer of DPWH South Manila District Engineering Office, the closure and repair works of the damaged box culvert will last for 60 days or two months.

Abalos is asking for the public’s understanding as the temporary closure of Roxas Boulevard Southbound is necessary for everyone’s safety.

“We are appealing for the public's understanding as to the inconvenience the temporary road closure would cause. But this is necessary to ensure the safety of motorists and pedestrians,” shared Abalos.

During the temporary closure, motorists may opt to take the following alternate routes

For Light Vehicles:

-From Bonifacio Drive/Roxas Boulevard: take Roxas Blvd.-Buendia Avenue service road, turn right at Buendia Avenue Extension then left at Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard going to destination/s.

-From Bonifacio Drive/Roxas Boulevard: turn right at HK Sun Plaza access road then left at Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard to destination.

-From Bonifacio Drive/Roxas Boulevard: left at Pres. Quirino Avenue to destination.

For Trucks/Trailers and other vehicles from Bonifacio Drive going to Roxas Boulevard southbound:

-All heavy vehicles/trucks/trailers, turn left to P. Burgos Avenue, straight towards Finance Road and Ayala Boulevard, then right to San Marcelino Street, take P. Quirino Avenue to South Luzon Expressway to destination.

Motorists that frequently travel along Roxas Boulevard better carry a bit of extra patience or find a completely alternate route for the time being.