The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) inspected the Manila International Container Terminal (MICT) in Tondo, Manila following the imminent closure of a portion of Roxas Boulevard to give way to the repair of the damaged box culvert of Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
During the inspection, MMDA Chairman Benhur Abalos met with officials from the Department of Transportation (DOTr), DPWH, Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), and International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) to discuss viable solutions and finding alternate routes for trucks and trailers which will be affected by the road closure.
“One of the possible solutions that we are eyeing is for the container vans to be carried on the barge and will be transported from MICT going to the Cavite Gateway Terminal in Tanza, Cavite,” Abalos explained.
“We are studying all options to alleviate the possible traffic it would generate.”
“We are studying all options to alleviate the possible traffic it would generate,” the traffic chief added.
Also, the traffic head stressed that the agency has yet to determine if a portion of the southbound direction of Roxas Boulevard fronting HK Sun Plaza will be totally or partially closed to vehicular traffic.
“This is temporary. The construction is only for three months.”
“The structural integrity is at stake. Hence, we are appealing for the public’s understanding of the inconvenience the road closure would cause. This is temporary. The construction is only for three months,” he explained.
For his part, DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade said the Cavite Gateway Terminal will enable efficient transport of container trucks.
The rehabilitation of the damaged Libertad Drainage Main Box Culvert in front of Libertad Pumping Station in Pasay City would require the immediate closure of the southbound portion of Roxas Boulevard.
Approximately 1,000 cargo trucks and trailers per day are traversing the Roxas Boulevard southbound direction alone.
Other officials present during the inspection were DPWH NCR Regional Director Nomer Abel Canlas, PPA General Manager Jay Santiago, and ICTSI Executive Vice President Christian Gonzales.
