MANILA - Motorists and commuters were told to brace for heavy traffic on Commonwealth Avenue and nearby areas as the MRT-7 project goes full swing on Holy Thursday at 12:00 noon.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said Monday that they need to close some lanes to make way for the project that will connect the existing MRT line to San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan.

"Maghuhukay na ang MRT-7, pailalim ng circle gagawa na ng tunnel. We need to close down some lanes sa Commonwealth," MMDA Assistant General Manager Jojo Garcia said.

He said the inner lanes of both sides of Commonwealth will be used as a work area for the project. Three more lanes along the Elliptical Road will also be closed, too, he added.

Garcia said they will permanently remove the U-turn slot at the intersection of Commonwealth Avenue and Elliptical Road to ease the expected heavy traffic.

"Definitely babagal (ang trapiko). Enforcement lang at disiplina." Garcia said.

MMDA will also divide the 10-lane Elliptical Road into 2: Five lanes for vehicles turning right to Commonwealth, and five lanes for those going straight to other streets.

Barriers will also be in place beginning Holy Thursday from Maharlika St. to Commonwealth Avenue, barring motorists from taking the inner lanes.

MMDA will also make adjustments at Philcoa so that public utility vehicles (PUVs) dropping and picking up passengers would not slow the traffic down.

"Starting tomorrow, puwede natin batakin ang mga pampublikong sasakyan, at least hindi 5 lanes ang nao-occupy nila," said Celine Pialago, MMDA spokesperson.

Meanwhile, another lane on the outer entry and exit of Commonwealth Avenue is being constructed as a replacement for the 2 lanes that will be converted as a work area.