Usual EDSA traffic unlikely once u-turn slots closed –MMDA

The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Monday said it does not expect the usual heavy traffic along EDSA to return to its pre-pandemic levels once all the u-turn slots are closed.

According to Mark Salazar’s report on “24 Oras,” the MMDA has begun closing down u-turn slots along EDSA to make way for bus lanes.

The flow of traffic was not significantly impacted by the closure since only some 205,000 vehicles are out plying the roads, half the 405,000 to 450,000 cars that used to pass through the highway prior to the coronavirus pandemic.

“Kaya napakaimportante po na in two to three months, matapos na pong isara lahat ng u-turn slot bago magsibalikan ‘yung additional na 200,000 pa na sasakyan,” MMDA Assistant Secretary Celine Pialago said.

She added that the heavy volume of traffic along EDSA is unlikely to return since all city buses will be on the left side of the road once the u-turn slots are closed.

“Hahaba man po ‘yung travel pero free-flowing, hindi kagaya noon no’ng unang sinara ‘yung mga u-turn slot pero hindi sistematiko ‘yung mga citybuses na nasa kanan sila,” Pialago said.

“Makikita po natin talagang nagbuntis ‘yung traffic dahil nasa kanan pa ‘yung mga buses, so tendency po ‘yung mga private motorists makikiagaw po sila doon sa puwesto ng city buses,” she added.

The MMDA earlier said it expects the closure of u-turn slots to be completed by December. — Julia Mari Ornedo/DVM, GMA News