MMDA to stop road works, fun runs until January 6, 2014

In anticipation of the heavier traffic that comes with the Christmas season, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority has announced that it will halt road excavation and fun runs within Metro Manila until January 6, 2014.

According to the agency, from the midnight of December 13, there will be no excavation \"on all national and city roads,\" while from December 16, fun runs, marathons, bike races and other similar events will be banned \"to reduce the expected traffic congestion this Christmas season.\"

To further decongest the forecasted 20% increase in traffic during the Christmas season because of the expected influx of people and vehicles from Cavite, Laguna, Bulacan and Central Luzon, the MMDA was also set to announce its so-called \"Christmas Lane\" alternative routes today.

\"These traffic measures are designed to facilitate the free flow of motorists and Christmas shoppers before the start of Simbang Gabi on December 16,\" said MMDA chief Francis Tolentino.

Photo from SXC.hu