If you’re planning to drive through Quezon City, San Mateo, or even San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan on Monday, July 27, it’s best to leave earlier than usual or avoid the Batasan area altogether.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is advising motorists to use alternate routes as heavy traffic is expected along Commonwealth Avenue, IBP Road, and nearby roads during the 5th State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand “Bong-bong” Marcos Jr.

For northbound traffic heading from the Quezon Memorial Circle to Fairview, motorists are advised to take North Avenue, turn right onto Mindanao Avenue, then use Sauyo Road or Quirino Highway to reach their destination.

Meanwhile, those traveling southbound from Fairview toward the Quezon Memorial Circle should take Sauyo Road or Quirino Highway, turn left onto Mindanao Avenue, then proceed to North Avenue.

Truck drivers coming from C-5 Road or Katipunan Avenue are advised to use the Luzon Flyover before turning right onto Congressional Avenue.

On the other hand, light vehicles coming from C-5 Road may take Magiting Street, then Maginhawa Street, Mayaman Street, and finally Kalayaan Avenue.

To manage the expected increase in traffic, the MMDA will deploy 1,481 personnel from its various traffic enforcement districts. The agency said a strict “no day-off, no absent” policy will be enforced for all field traffic personnel assigned to the event.

Support equipment will also be prepositioned, including 39 tow trucks, 30 motorcycles, five mobile patrol units, five ambulances, one military truck, two boom trucks, six dump trucks, 22 portalets, and traffic control devices such as concrete barriers, plastic barriers, and cones.

The MMDA will also deploy its mobile command center, backed by 15 CCTV cameras, while its Emergency Preparedness and Response Team will be stationed near the Batasan Complex.

At the same time, the agency’s Communication and Command Center in Pasig City will monitor traffic conditions and security operations through its CCTV network and radio communications throughout the duration of the President’s SONA.