MMDA: Traffic flow better with QC intersection closed

The temporary closure of the Quezon Avenue-Roosevelt intersection in Quezon City over the weekend has eased traffic buildup in the area that was earlier caused by the increasing number of motorists using Roosevelt as an alternative route to Araneta Avenue, according to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

Speaking on the agency’s radio program on Sunday, MMDA Road Safety Unit head Emil Llavor reported that “the flow of traffic was continuous and we observed that there was no buildup.”

Due to the closure, vehicles from Roosevelt must now first turn right to Quezon Avenue then use the U-turn slot in front of Maxima to get to Edsa. It remains to be seen, however, whether the MMDA’s positive assessment will hold true today, the first workday since the adjustment was made.

Llavor said the temporary traffic scheme was adopted after it was observed that motorists coming from A. Bonifacio were no longer using Araneta as their primary route going to Quezon Avenue but had resorted to taking Roosevelt.

According to MMDA Chair Emerson Carlos, the construction of the Skyway Stage 3 project has eaten up three lanes on Araneta Avenue and left only two lanes passable to vehicles.

“Motorists found Roosevelt as an alternative route to go to Quezon Avenue,” Carlos said, noting that from usual 14,000 vehicles a day, the number of cars using Roosevelt has reached 20,000 daily. “That’s an additional 6,000 vehicles, enough to fill both directions of Edsa.”

The agency decided to use the Maxima U-turn slot so that vehicles using Quezon Avenue and those coming from Roosevelt would be able to continuously use the road. The traffic light at the intersection will be on flashing mode while the temporarily closure is in effect and the construction of the Skyway project is in progress.

The Skyway Stage 3 project is a 14.82-km elevated expressway from Buendia in Makati City to Balintawak in Quezon City. It is aimed at decongesting Edsa and other major roads like Quezon Avenue, Araneta Avenue and Nagtahan.

The P26.65-billion project is also expected to reduce travel time from Buendia to Balintawak from the usual two hours to just 15 to 20 minutes.
Maricar B. Brizuela and Angelica Cruz