After closing U-turn slots along EDSA last year to make way for the EDSA Busway system, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has opened up Dario Bridge U-turn slot in Quezon City.
According to MMDA Chair Benhur Abalos, the latest move is eyed to ease the congestion on EDSA's northbound lane, and reducing travel time using the route in the process.
“This would benefit the motorists because they can make a U-turn easily with a shorter route,” Abalos was quoted as saying.
The MMDA Chairman said that he already coordinated with the private contractor of the Common Station connecting the Metro Rail Transit and Light Rail Transit, a project of the Department of Transportation, which is located between SM North EDSA and Trinoma in Quezon City. “I have requested to move back their fences at their work area to open more lanes for passing motorists and filled it with gravel so traffic obstruction could be avoided,” Abalos stressed.
The MMDA said that latest traffic studies in the area showed that the U-turn must be utilized anew to improve traffic flow in the area after being closed to traffic for the EDSA Bus Carousel.
Abalos noted that the agency is in constant coordination with concerned government agencies to improve mobility and keep traffic flow moving in the metropolis amid the increase in the number of vehicles on the road.
“The next big thing in the next two years is the widening of the Balintawak area, one of the traffic-prone areas, that would widen the area to five lanes. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) shall work on the project for a period of one to two years,” Abalos said during a press conference Monday.
Further, Abalos revealed that there is a proposal to widen EDSA near Camp Crame in Quezon City.
Moreover, the agency will also strengthen its road clearing operations in Mabuhay lanes, together with the Department of the Interior and Local Government and local government units. “We shall intensify the clearing of Mabuhay lanes so they can be accessible, free from illegal obstructions,” MMDA Chief explained.
Furthermore, Abalaos expressed firm belief that mass transportation and ongoing infrastructure projects are the additional solutions to reduce the volume of traffic in the metropolis. He cited that the number of vehicles is beginning to increase, with the gradual return to normal of public activities in Metro Manila.
Photos from Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA)
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Should U-Turn Slots be Taken Out to Ease Traffic?
MMDA to close two more EDSA U-turn slots starting November 23
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