MMDA to reopen two U-turn slots in QC in time for holidays

MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will reopen two U-Turn slots along a portion of EDSA in Quezon City to ease traffic.

The Quezon City government said the MMDA will reopen a U-turn slot in front of Quezon City Academy and another one near Darrio bridge, which were closed in October and November, respectively.

The MMDA told a House committee hearing on Tuesday that the two U-turn slots will be reopened by Friday, December 18, the local government further noted in a statement on Wednesday.

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte lauded MMDA’s decision to reopen the U-turn slots, which she earlier requested after she received complaints from motorists.

“We made the request in response to the numerous complaints we received from motorists… This is a win-win solution for motorists who have been experiencing heavy traffic along EDSA due to congestion caused by the U-turn closures, and along nearby roads due to the spillover of vehicles. Patients and visitors going to the Quezon City General Hospital will benefit the most, and we thank the MMDA for their favorable response,” she said.

“While we fully support the national government’s transportation initiatives, particularly the EDSA Bus Carousel project, we cannot compromise the welfare of those using EDSA,” she added.

The gradual closure of U-turn slots along EDSA started in September in line with the EDSA Busway project of the Department of Transportation.

The U-turn slot in front of the Quezon City Academy will be opened for light vehicles, while the U-turn slot near Dario Bridge will be open for emergency and marked government vehicles only.

The city government said it will monitor the flow of traffic once the slots are reopened to determine whether it would request for the further reopening of other closed U-turn slots. Zac Sarao, trainee

KGA

RELATED STORIES

MMDA postpones closure of U-turn slot in Bagong Barrio to 2021

MMDA eyes reopening of two U-turn slots on EDSA