Despite calls, U-turn slots on Katipunan to stay closed

MANILA, Philippines–U-turn slots will not be making a comeback on Katipunan Avenue in Quezon City despite calls for their return.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) thumbed down on Sunday the idea of reopening the U-turn slots it shut down weeks ago, saying the move would only confuse motorists who would have to readjust to changing traffic schemes on the busy thoroughfare.

During the agency’s weekly radio program, MMDA chair Francis Tolentino said the use of traffic constables to direct vehicular flow during the morning and afternoon rush hour and traffic lights for the rest of the day has already improved traffic on Katipunan Avenue.

“If we bring back U-turn slots, we also have to put additional employees to monitor traffic and we do not have enough resources to do that,” Tolentino said, noting that the use of traffic lights was a better option since these were operational 24/7.

He added that if they were to heed the suggestion, motorists would have to adjust again to the new traffic scheme.

“It would also mean we would be bringing back the cause of some accidents along the road,” said Tolentino who blamed U-turn slots for accidents and the worsening of traffic on the major thoroughfare.

Two weeks ago, the MMDA activated traffic lights on Katipunan Avenue to replace the four U-turn slots it shut down between the Aurora flyover and C.P. Garcia, along with the implementation of the one-truck lane policy in the area.

The move, however, resulted in even heavier traffic, particularly during rush hour in the morning and afternoon, prompting the MMDA to turn off the traffic lights during these periods and let its personnel manually direct vehicular flow.

Tolentino added that since traffic congestion on Katipunan Avenue could be considered “destination traffic” since most vehicles only drop off students before leaving the area, the MMDA was continuously coming up with measures to improve the situation.

“We have also coordinated with the parents and teachers associations of the schools and the homeowners’ associations of adjacent villages to help us manage traffic in the area especially during rush hour,” he said.

Tolentino explained that the MMDA was willing to train and deputize designated traffic volunteers from any of the groups they talked to.

Road Safety Unit head Engr. Emilio Llavor saidd they were also in close coordination with Ateneo de Manila University officials in finding ways to improve traffic management on Katipunan Avenue.

“Part of our plan is designating pedestrian walkways on Katipunan to encourage students to take the sidewalk so that business establishments near their schools will not use the side roads as parking areas,” Llavor said.

He added that they had also deployed additional personnel and tow trucks to clear the area of illegally parked vehicles and even sidewalk vendors.