Manila traffic expected to ease as Lagusnilad underpass reopens

Motorists in Manila expect traffic to ease with the reopening of newly-rehabilitated Lagusnilad vehicular underpass on Tuesday.

“Finally, ngayong umaga ay mabubuksan na po natin itong Lagusnilad, saktong-sakto po ito sa paparating na Kapaskuhan…Malaki pong kaluwagan ito kapag nabuksan na natin ito ngayong umaga,” Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna told reporters moments before the 8:30 a.m. reopening.

(Finally, Lagusnilad will be opened this morning in time for the Christmas season. It will be a great relief once it opens.)

The closure of Lagusnilad for rehabilitation in May caused heavier traffic in the area, according to Darlene Cay’s report on GMA Integrated News’ Unang Balita on Tuesday.

Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) drivers, meanwhile, welcomed the reopening.

“Masaya din kami kasi iyong traffic dito nakasagabal din sa kita namin kasi halos ilang buwan na rin iyan halos hindi kami kumikita dahil sa traffic,” said jeepney driver Joey Cortez. 

(We are happy because the heavy traffic has affected our income because Lagusnilad had been closed for many months.)

For his part, tricycle driver Paul Collantes said, “Mabigat po hanggang doon sa Roxas Boulevard. Hindi po kami makagalaw kasi katulad namin maliit ang sasakyan namin at saka iyong pasahero hindi na siya sumasakay kasi naiinip nga po, ma-traffic.)

(The traffic was heavy up to Roxas Boulevard. For us with small vehicles, we cannot move. Also, passengers were becoming impatient and no longer booking a ride with us due to the traffic.)

Commuters also appreciated the rehabilitation effort on Lagusnilad because they can now have a better experience passing the underpass. —Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA Integrated News