ASEAN Summit: Metro Manila road closures, alternate routes, traffic advisories

MANILA, Philippines, November 14 ------ Motorists, commuters and air travelers should prepare for road closures, traffic restrictions and possible flight disruptions as Metro Manila hosts the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit in November.

The summit will run from Nov. 16 to 18 at several venues across the capital, primarily the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City. Security preparations will affect road access around the venue and may also lead to changes in airport operations.

Special non-working days: Nov. 16 to 18

Malacañang has declared Nov. 16 to 18 special non-working days throughout Metro Manila. This is when the ASEAN Leaders Summit will take place. U.S. President Donald Trump is among the leaders expected to attend the meetings.

Under Proclamation 1447, the work suspension is intended to ease traffic congestion and allow authorities to secure areas used by summit participants.

Road restrictions

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority explained on Wednesday, November 11, that there will be no widespread road closures during the summit, with restrictions limited to designated security zones around the Philippine International Convention Center and Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex in Pasay City. However, motorists should prepare for temporary traffic stoppages along major thoroughfares whenever convoys carrying foreign leaders and delegations pass through.

MMDA Chairman Romando Artes warned that traffic could be particularly heavy from November 12 to 14 because of convoy rehearsals, traffic simulations, road repairs and adjustments to barriers ahead of the summit. Access to four streets within the PICC and CCP security exclusion zone is restricted from November 9 to 18, according to the MMDA.

These are:

- Atang Dela Rama Street

- Vicente Sotto Street

- Pedro Bukaneg Street

- Magdalena Jalandoni Street

Only accredited personnel and vehicles bearing authorized ASEAN stickers will be allowed inside the restricted perimeter. Government vehicles without proper authorization will also be denied entry. The MMDA said other major roads will remain open, although motorists should expect delays and temporary traffic restrictions during the movement of official convoys. Authorities have also advised motorists to avoid Macapagal Boulevard, the World Trade Center area, Diokno Boulevard and portions of Roxas Boulevard because of anticipated traffic congestion.

Source: philstar.com