The Metro Manila Expressway will save you from the daily “carmaggedon”

When you go on the internet, you’ll come across rants from northerners about how far the south is and vice versa. For someone who lives in the Camanava area, Alabang or even Makati is really far—and I guess my officemates from Las Piñas and Parañaque would say the same. But we’re forgetting commuters from the east who struggle in heavy traffic every day—a 30-minute difference can extend their travel time to as much as an hour or even two.

Comment from discussion People in Manila, how long is your commute?.

For sure, the commute is exhausting. But don’t give up just yet; the Metro Manila Expressway Project (MMEP) will save you from the daily “carmaggedon.” The MMEP is a 34-km. tollway with six lanes. The first phase of the project will traverse through Taguig, Taytay, Antipolo, San Mateo, and Quezon City. However, MMEP is also expected to serve those from Parañaque, Makati, Pasay, Pasig, Cainta, Marikina, and other nearby cities. The second and third phase will also cater to those from San Mateo and several towns in Bulacan.

The first phase of MMEP will have exits in Skyway FTI, C5, C6, Ortigas Ave. Ext., Marcos Highway, Tumana Bridge, and Batasan Complex. Like other expressways, the MMEP is designed to accommodate vehicles at a maximum of 80kph.

While we’re excited for the completion of this expressway, this thoroughfare still needs 48 months or four years to be fully functional. According to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the implementation schedule began in 2016 and will end in 2020. As of now, DPWH has completed the engineering design and is currently negotiating with local government units for right-of-way acquisition. While the MMEP isn’t here yet, leave early and find alternate routes—or maybe take the walk from school/work to home challenge—to avoid the standstill traffic.

Header image courtesy of Inquirer.net

Writer: OLIVER EMOCLING