MMDA eyes narrower Edsa lanes to add one more

Edsa. PHOTO BY JAM STA. ROSA

MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is eyeing to narrow the existing lanes in Edsa to be able to squeeze in an additional lane as a means of easing traffic congestion.

Edsa traffic chief Bong Nebrija on Thursday said the proposal was aimed at achieving the target speed along Edsa, one of the traffic-choked thoroughfares of Metro Manila.

“Before it was called Highway 54. Pero ngayon hindi na natin matawag na highway dahil kadalasan ganyan yung traffic natin,” Nebrija said in an interview over dzBB. “Hindi natin ma-achieve ‘yung highway speed that we desire dahil sa volume ng sasakyan,” he added.

Each of the five lanes along Edsa currently measures 3.4 to 3.5 meters wide, according to Nebrija.

These will be reduced to 2.8 meters each to create new lanes in both north- and southbound direction, Nebrija said in a separate radio interview.

He said the proposal would help push the traffic forward and provide “ease vents” for motorists.

“Unang-una para mabuhos mo agad forward yung traffic. Pangalawa, para magkaroon tayo ng ease vents kung tawagin para sa mga mag-U-turn, para sa magle-left turn. Ibig sabihin, ‘yung mga mag-U-turn, yung mga didiresto hindi maapektuhan na isa rin sa sanhi ng pagbagal,” he said.

“May mga lugar sa Edsa na talagang malalapad kasi hindi proportionate ang Edsa. What we’re trying to do is to maximize kung pwede nating dagdagan ng lanes,” he added.

Nebrija said the MMDA was already coordinating with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) about the feasibility of the proposal.

“Edsa is the responsibility ng DPWH as far as maintenance is concerned. Ngayon, we will submit to their office itong proposal na ‘to. And if they find that this is feasible, doable and will help, then pwede nating i-implement kung mapondohan,” he said. /cbb