The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced on Friday that it is extending for another week the dry run of the exclusive motorcycle (MC) lane along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City to give way to the ongoing road works of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in the area.
The move, according to MMDA chair Romando Artes, also aims to give more time to the motorists to be familiar with the policy.
Artes said the DPWH will continue its patching works that started last week in response to the request of the MMDA based on the social media concerns received by the agency from motorists that the highway has uneven portions and has potholes.
He also said the extended dry run activity will give more time for the information drive regarding the policy.
“We opt to continue the dry run of the exclusive motorcycle lane along Commonwealth Avenue from Elliptical Road to Doña Carmen and vice versa. In coordination with the DPWH, their patch works in the area will continue to address the issues on the said road,” Artes said.
“The MMDA is grateful to the DPWH for acting quickly to our repair works request which would help in lessening accidents in the area. With another week of dry run, we hope to inform more motorists to avoid confusion before full implementation,” he added.
There have been 9,757 flagged down motorcycle riders and four-wheel private vehicle drivers from March 9 to 16. Of the number, 7,584 are private vehicles while 2,173 are motorcycles.
Aside from the road patch works, the MMDA is also eyeing to install reflectors and solar street lamps to light up the area that would help avoid accidents.
The designated MC lane is located on the third lane from the sidewalk and is aimed to reduce motorcycle-related road crash incidents and ensure smooth traffic flow along Commonwealth Avenue.