Officials of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) met with traffic managers of at least four local government units (LGUs) of Metro Manila and Rizal and discussed ways to prevent a repeat of the traffic gridlock along Marcos Highway over the weekend.

MMDA general manager Procopio Lipana said they presented traffic plans to the traffic officials of Cainta, Antipolo, Marikina, and Pasig following the monstrous traffic jam along the Marcos Highway that went viral on social media.

“We presented possible measures to prevent a repeat of the incident through coordinated traffic management strategies,” said Lipana.

A massive traffic jam along Marcos Highway occurred on Saturday due to the large volume of vehicles and counterflowing vehicles.

Authorities are expecting the same problems especially during Holiday season when the volume of vehicles and commuters usually increases.

Lawyer Vic Nuñez, director for Enforcement of the MMDA Traffic Discipline Office,

emphasized the need to harmonize traffic rules among all LGUs along the highway — particularly the uniform enforcement of truck ban.

“Traffic management plans of neighboring LGUs along Marcos Highway must be well-coordinated. We are eyeing the harmonization of a uniform truck ban along the entire stretch of Marcos Highway,” he said.

He said the MMDA also plans to open the intersection at Marcos Highway and Gil Fernando Avenue by replacing concrete barriers with movable orange barriers.

This, he said, will allow easier adjustments during heavy traffic.

“What is in place in the area are concrete barriers; they will be replaced with movable orange barriers. In case there is a repeat of Saturday’s traffic situation, it can be adjusted manually,” said Nuñez.

He also mentioned that the four concerned LGUs have agreed to sign a memorandum of agreement with the MMDA to strictly enforce the anti-illegal terminal and anti-illegal vendor in the area.

MMDA and concerned LGUs will conduct an ocular inspection on Wednesday, Dec. 10, to further assess the situation and check what other adjustments and engineering interventions can be made.