EDSA, C-5 as one-way streets not feasible, says DOTr adviser

The proposal to convert EDSA and C5 into one-way circumferential highways is not feasible, according to an official of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Thursday.

In an interview on GMA News TV's Balitanghali, Engr. Alberto Suansing, DOTr's transport adviser, said that there had been previous simulations conducted to check the efficiency of the plan to designate all EDSA lanes for southbound motorists and that of C-5 for those who are northbound.

"Nakita doon sa simulation na ginawa medyo hindi feasible 'yun," he said.

"Kailangang tingnang mabuti 'yung travel pattern ng mga dumadaang sasakyan diyan sa EDSA. Saan ba sila papunta, west ba ng EDSA o east ng EDSA?" he added.

Suansing said that in construction of radial roads would be required to successfully implement this scheme.

"Para gawin mo ngayon 'yan eh malaking usapin 'yan. Medyo may kalabuan 'yan. Buti sana if we're just talking of an elliptical road. We're talking of the whole of Metro Manila," he said. 

The proposal for the one-way EDSA and C-5 scheme has been submitted by an engineer to the MMDA recently.

Southern Leyte Rep. Roger Mercado also proposed a quite similar solution to solve traffic congestion in EDSA.

According to Suansing, both the DOTr and the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) are currently crafting solutions for the major chokepoints in EDSA.

He also proposed reorganizing the routes of public buses to avoid gridlocks in the busy highway. —Dona Magsino/NB, GMA News