MMDA: ‘Road Diet’ Can Be Effective Solution Against EDSA Traffic

With its never-ending quest to find an effective way to decongest EDSA, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is now proposing to make existing lanes on Metro Manila’s main arterial road narrower, which could allow for the addition of more lanes.

Currently, EDSA has five lanes on both sides of the road, with each lane measuring 3.4 meters wide. MMDA is proposing to 'trim down' the width of each lane to 2.8 meters. According to the MMDA's new EDSA Traffic Manager Bong Nebrija, the proposal, dubbed as 'Road Diet,' would increase the acceptable volume of a limited road network, and add at least 6,000 more vehicles to the 25-kilometer highway's 250,000 vehicle capacity.

MMDA Spokeswoman Celine Pialago explained the viability of the proposal, saying that it will not require any road re-construction to implement, and will only need the re-adjustment of the road markers.

Pialago also cited a research conducted by the World Resources Institute (WRI) to back up the proposal. Based on the study, cities that have lanes 2.8 meters in width--such as Amsterdam, Berlin, Paris, Tokyo, and Toronto--enjoy fewer crash fatalities at 1.3-3.2 fatality rate per 100,000 residents, compared to cities that make use of wider lanes, which have 6.1--11.8 fatality rate per 100,000 residents.

However, groups such as the Automobile Association Philippines (AAP), expressed some concerns. AAP President Augusto Lagman stressed that our lanes are already narrow as they are when compared to other countries which could potentially lead to an increase in road mishaps.

Pialago countered that according to the WRI study, wider lanes tend to promote faster speeds, which also increases the potential for accidents. Narrower lanes are actually safer as they reduce the risk of reckless maneuvering and sideswiping, the study suggests.

Nevertheless, the MMDA is still looking at the specifics of how the 'road diet' scheme can be properly implemented, as EDSA has only three lanes at certain points. The agency is also checking the availability of funding for the project in the 2019 national budget.

©pna.gov.ph

Read All

Featured Articles

Recommended Articles For You

Read All

Featured Cars

  • Upcoming

Car Articles From Zigwheels

  • News
  • Article Feature
  • Advisory Stories
  • Road Test
  • BYD Cars PH debuts all-new Tang DM-i
    BYD Cars PH debuts all-new Tang DM-i
    Cesar Miguel . Today
  • Omoda, Jaecoo NEV sales breach 600k-unit mark worldwide
    Omoda, Jaecoo NEV sales breach 600k-unit mark worldwide
    Ruben Manahan IV . Sep 16, 2025
  • Toyota Mobility Foundation turns over 3 Tamaraw shuttles to PGH
    Toyota Mobility Foundation turns over 3 Tamaraw shuttles to PGH
    Cesar Miguel . Sep 16, 2025
  • Here’s what to expect at the Japan Mobility Show 2025
    Here’s what to expect at the Japan Mobility Show 2025
    Cesar Miguel . Sep 16, 2025
  • Coco in CDO: Toyota Tamaraw ambassador meets MSME owners
    Coco in CDO: Toyota Tamaraw ambassador meets MSME owners
    Paulo Papa . Sep 16, 2025
  • Check out JMC EV2’s key strengths, weaknesses
    Check out JMC EV2’s key strengths, weaknesses
    Cesar Miguel . Today
  • Here are the 7 stunning colors of the Omoda C5
    Here are the 7 stunning colors of the Omoda C5
    Paulo Papa . Today
  • Check out the GWM Ora 03’s key rivals
    Check out the GWM Ora 03’s key rivals
    Cesar Miguel . Sep 12, 2025
  • Here are the Ford Territory Hybrid’s strengths, weaknesses
    Here are the Ford Territory Hybrid’s strengths, weaknesses
    Cesar Miguel . Sep 12, 2025
  • VinFast VF 5: top 3 reasons to buy
    VinFast VF 5: top 3 reasons to buy
    Paulo Papa . Sep 09, 2025
  • How well do you understand traffic signs?
    How well do you understand traffic signs?
    Cesar Miguel . Sep 09, 2025
  • How car collectors can take advantage of Liqui Moly products
    How car collectors can take advantage of Liqui Moly products
    Ruben Manahan IV . Sep 08, 2025
  • Do you still need to wash your car after it rains?
    Do you still need to wash your car after it rains?
    Cesar Miguel . Jun 12, 2025
  • What should you visit first at MIAS 2025?
    What should you visit first at MIAS 2025?
    Cesar Miguel . Apr 11, 2025
  • Do you really need 4x4 for overlanding?
    Do you really need 4x4 for overlanding?
    Cesar Miguel . Mar 26, 2025
  • Ford Everest Sport Special Edition: ‘tough’-tier SUV
    Ford Everest Sport Special Edition: ‘tough’-tier SUV
    Paulo Papa . Sep 15, 2025
  • Toyota Corolla Cross GR-S HEV: sporty yet sustainable
    Toyota Corolla Cross GR-S HEV: sporty yet sustainable
    Paulo Papa . Sep 08, 2025
  • ELECTRIA: JMC EV3 - cutesy city slicker
    ELECTRIA: JMC EV3 - cutesy city slicker
    Cesar Miguel . Sep 04, 2025
  • First drive: Here’s why the Li Mega is the ideal pick for those who wants to be chauffeured
    First drive: Here’s why the Li Mega is the ideal pick for those who wants to be chauffeured
    Paulo Papa . Aug 27, 2025
  • GWM Cannon: range day
    GWM Cannon: range day
    Paulo Papa . Jul 29, 2025