The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is preparing the deployment of 2,000 personnel in key areas to help manage traffic flow and provide assistance during the country’s hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games from 30 November to 11 December.

MMDA chairman Danilo Lim said the agency shall provide personnel and equipment along designated routes for the seamless movement of delegates from the airport to the hotels where they are billeted, the sports venues and other engagement areas at the least inconvenience to the general public.

“Aside from the deployment of traffic personnel to strategic areas, we shall provide motorcycle and mobile car escorts, ambulances and tow trucks, as well as monitor road activities during the SEA Games,” Lim said.

The MMDA chief said the 12-day event is expected to gather thousands of athletes, sports officials, coaches, spectators and guests at sports and non-sports venues within Metro Manila, namely the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, Cuneta Astrodome, SM Mall of Asia Arena, SM MOA Skating Rink, World Trade Center, Philippine International Convention Center Forum, SM Megamall, Filoil Flying V Centre, Filinvest City, University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman Gym, Marine Corps, Muntinlupa Sports Complex, Starmall EDSA, Makati Coliseum, Manila Hotel tent, SM Megamall Ice Rink, World Trade Center, Philsports Arena, Amoranto Sports Complex and Manila Polo Club.

To give way to the convoy of vehicles going to and from the said venues, stop-and-go traffic schemes shall be implemented on EDSA and other major roads and intersections to facilitate the fast movement of the delegates.

A temporary stop of traffic will be observed as the convoy of delegates passes through roads and intersections.

Occasional traffic disruptions also might be experienced on both directions of EDSA. Northbound, affected areas are Roxas Boulevard, Taft Avenue, Ayala Avenue, Buendia Avenue, Shaw Boulevard, Megamall, Santolan, SM North, Muñoz and Balintawak. Southbound, affected portions are Balintawak, Muñoz, SM North, Cubao, Santolan, Ortigas, Shaw Boulevard, Boni Serrano, Buendia Avenue corner Macapagal Boulevard and Ayala-Magallanes.

A convoy carrying delegates will use the yellow lane, flyover and underpasses while traveling along EDSA.

The MMDA also identified chokepoint areas, namely in Manila, SLEX Northbound; Mindanao Avenue-North Avenue to NLEX in Quezon City; Roxas Boulevard corner Buendia Avenue, Roxas Boulevard corner P. Ocampo Street, Roxas Boulevard-P. Burgos Street, Taft Avenue corner P. Ocampo Street, Adriatico Street RMSC Area, Quirino Avenue corner Adriatico Street; Shaw Boulevard corner Pioneer in Pasig City; N. Domingo-FilOil in San Juan City; and Lawton Avenue corner Bayani Road in Taguig.

To maximize road space for all road users, Lim said traffic personnel have started conducting clearing operations of all obstructions and eyesores along the routes with the assistance of the Philippine National Police and concerned metro local government units starting this week towards the event.

Other SEA Games clusters where traffic congestion is expected are Clark, Subic, Southern Luzon and others.

The MMDA’s preparation is in coordination with the Philippine Sea Games Organizing Committee, PNP, LGU, government agencies and stakeholders.