Parts of Manila-Batangas bypass road closed for 5 days

Sections of the Manila-Batangas Bypass Road covering Sto. Torribio, Marawoy to Inosluban will be closed temporarily starting on March 12, 2024 at 8 a.m. until March 16.

This closure is due to comprehensive planning and security measures by the Lipa City Traffic Management Division (TMD), in coordination with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), and the private sector, in preparation for an event in the city.

According to the Lipa City TMD, they will be deploying an additional 30 traffic enforcers to the parts of the road affected.

"Ine-expect po namin ang maraming manonood, una iyung mga tao tsaka ‘yung volume ng sasakyan, madadagdagan, at marami namang force multipliers na tutulong bukod po sa ating mga personnel," Ambrosio Reyes, Jr., the head of Lipa City TMD, said.

Authorities said the actual event will start on March 14 but the road will be closed on March 12 because booths needed to be installed.

Alternative routes

Those heading to Lipa City proper from Manila can take Leviste Drive and exit through the Balete Exit. 

Those heading to Barangay Inosluban using the Balete Exit can take Leviste Drive and turn left at Barangay Marawoy.

Approximately 50,000 people are expected to participate in the event.

Authorities remind visitors and residents to avoid bringing large bags, sharp objects, and bottled drinks.

The road closure is a significant inconvenience according to some motorists like Benjie Magkawas who drops his child off at a university daily, passing through the Manila-Batangas Bypass Road for a faster journey. 

"Masyadong ma-traffic eh, ngayong ngang bukas na eh traffic na, lalo pa kapag isinara na nila... Aagahan na laang ang alis para hindi masiyadong ma-traffic. Kung ikaw eh naalis ng 6:30, dapat mga 6 a.m. eh aalis na," Magkawas said.

"Wala po tayong magagawa kung gay-on eh di doon na laang dadaan sa ibang daan. Ibang ruta na laang ang dadaanan," Joel Henry Garcia, another motorist, added. —GMA Regional TV