New traffic lights bring spate of accidents along Katipunan Avenue

A new traffic scheme that the Metro Manila Development Authority is implementing on Katipunan Avenue in Quezon City is being blamed for a spate of accidents in the area in front of Ateneo de Manila University and Miriam College.

According to a report from GMA's “24-Oras” program on Saturday, a vehicle and a motorcycle collided on Katipunan around 2 p.m.

There were also numerous motorcycle mishaps, including one involving a rider who was flung from his motorcycle after being told to stop by MMDA personnel.



“Nagkaroon ng minor accident primarily due to the stoplight. Vehicles traveling in this route are used to a go-go traffic flow,” frequent Katipunan motorist Eric Tan explained.

Aside from the signalized traffic system, four U-turn slots were closed to reduce heavy traffic on Katipunan.

The MMDA has closed the U-turn slots located at Gate 2.5 of the Ateneo de Manila University, the two back-to-back U-turn slots in front of Miriam College and the one in front of Miriam Grade School.

“Karugtong ito nung efforts natin sa C-5. Iisa lang naman direksyon ng C-5 hanggang Katipunan, so ang purpose nito i-signalize na lahat nang sa gayon mawala na 'yung mga nagbubuntis na U-turn slots,” MMDA Chairman Atty. Francis Tolentino said.

He also said while the number of vehicles on Katipunan cannot be reduced, the new scheme will make the flow of traffic more orderly.

"Predictable. Alam mo kung ilang seconds ka pa maghihintay. Alam mo na may left turn doon. 'Di tulad ng dati na on your own ka," he said.

The designated U-turn slots under the Aurora flyover and near C.P. Garcia Avenue are still open.



Meanwhile, trucks are allowed to ply Katipunan's truck discipline lane from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Mondays through Saturdays.

The MMDA for its part said they will observe the new system and will make necessary adjustments to further reduce heavy traffic in Katipunan Avenue. — Andrei Medina/JDS, GMA News