MMDA eyes to ease traffic flow in Katipunan Avenue

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is creating measures to lighten up the expected heavy traffic flow at Katipunan Avenue in time for the upcoming resumption of classes.

MMDA General Manager Procopio Lipana, who inspected the area today, noted that the area has been experiencing worsening traffic conditions — especially during rush hours.

"We are looking at adjusting Ateneo de Manila's entrance gate for vehicles without stickers to accommodate more vehicles that would lessen traffic congestion in Katipunan Avenue," he said.

In addition, the agency is studying the possibility of utilizing the service road near Ateneo Gate 2 (from Marikina) for vehicles— currently being used by pedestrians only.

According to Lipana, vehicles from the northbound direction turning left to enter Ateneo are occupying three lanes, which affects motorists going straight southbound.

"We are also mulling on limiting the lanes they use into two during rush hours by putting traffic cones," Lipana added.

Based on the data from the MMDA Traffic Engineering Center (TEC), an average of 2,757 vehicles are using the area's northbound lanes (going to Commonwealth during 7 a.m.-8 a.m. while 6,636 vehicles are going to Aurora Boulevard.

On afternoon peak hours (5 p.m.-6 p.m.) 4,854 vehicles were recorded traversing northbound while 5,697 were traversing southbound.

The MMDA TEC also noted an increase in vehicle volume in the southbound portion of the area at 32 percent in the morning and 24 percent in the afternoon from May to August this year.

Photos from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority

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