The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority has decided to reopen another U-turn slot to help ease traffic congestion on the northbound lanes of Epifanio de los Santos Avenue.
MMDA chairman Benjamin Abalos Jr. said the reopening of U-turn slot at Dario Bridge aimed to decongest traffic and reduce motorists’ travel time in the area.
“This would benefit the motorists because they can make a U-turn easily with a shorter route,” he said.
Abalos also said the MMDA has already coordinated with the private contractor of the Common Stat
on 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 BF Corporation 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,” he stressed.
The MMDA chief said the U-turn slot was previously closed to give way to the EDSA Bus Carousel. However, traffic studies showed that opening them would improve traffic flow in the area.
Four months ago, the MMDA decided to reopen some U-turn slots on EDSA it earlier closed due to complaints from affected residents and motorists.
Concrete barriers were removed, and traffic enforcers were deployed to guide the motorists and ensure smooth flow of vehicular traffic.
Abalos said his agency is also 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,” he said.
There is also a proposal to widen the Camp Crame area in Quezon City, Abalos said.
To open more alternate routes, the agency shall also intensify its road clearing operations on Mabuhay lanes, together with the Department of 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,” Abalos said.
He believes that mass transportation and ongoing infrastructure projects are the additional solutions to reduce the volume of traffic in the metropolis.
Abalos said the number of vehicles is beginning to increase, with the gradual return to normal of public activities in Metro Manila.