MMDA implements changes in traffic flow on Katipunan

MANILA, Philippines–Commuters headed for Katipunan Avenue in Quezon City should brace themselves for changes in the flow of traffic in the area.

Starting last Saturday, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) closed down four U-turn slots between the Aurora flyover and C.P. Garcia and activated traffic lights near Ateneo de Manila University Gate 3 and Miriam College Gate 1. It also started implementing the one-lane truck policy on the whole stretch of the thoroughfare.

In an advisory, the MMDA said that a green light at the traffic signal near Ateneo Gate 3 would simultaneously apply to vehicles on the southbound lane going to Aurora Boulevard or turning right to F. B. de la Rosa as well as motorists in the opposite lane going to UP Balara or turning right to Ateneo Gate 3.

When the red light flashes on the northbound lane toward UP Balara, vehicles coming from C. P. Garcia can turn left to Ateneo Gate 3.

The MMDA said that a green light would apply simultaneously to vehicles from F. B. de la Rosa turning left to UP Balara northbound as well as those from Ateneo Gate 3 turning left to Aurora Boulevard southbound.

However, vehicles coming from Ateneo Gate 3 would not be allowed to cross the intersection toward F.B. de la Rosa and should take the nearest U-turn at C.P. Garcia. For those on the southbound lane, they should take the nearest U-turn slot under the Aurora flyover.

For the traffic signal near Miriam College, a green light will simultaneously apply to motorists on the southbound lane headed to Aurora Boulevard or turning right to Gonzalez Street as well as for vehicles in the opposite lane bound for UP Balara or turning right to Miriam College gate.

Vehicles on the southbound side coming from C.P. Garcia will be allowed to turn left to the Miriam College entrance gate when the traffic light on the opposite lane (toward UP Balara) turns red.

The opening of the traffic lights on Katipunan, according to the MMDA, was one of the agency’s solutions to ease heavy traffic in the area which was partly blamed on the numerous U-turn slots in the area.

It was also in preparation for the opening of the truck lane on the whole stretch of the road, a move implemented on C-5 on Sept. 1 which, according to the MMDA, has improved traffic on the busy thoroughfare.–Maricar B. Brizuela