MMDA to make U-turn slots safer

MANILA, Philippines - As part of its ongoing evaluation of the U-turn slots placed along major thoroughfares of the metropolis during the term of then Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Bayani Fernando, the agency now aims to make the U-turn slots safer for motorists.

Acting on orders of Chairman Oscar Inocentes, the MMDA’s Traffic Engineering Center is putting up directional signs 50 to 250 meters away, warning motorists that they are approaching a U-turn slot.

Inocentes also said the MMDA will install protruded solar-powered blinker lights on each of the U-turn slots.

“This is expected to lessen accidents, “ Inocentes said.

As an added safety measure, Inocentes also ordered the installation of rumble strips on parts of the road approaching the U-turn slots. 

“These rumble strips are made of steel bars laid on the road and cause jerky movements on the vehicles to alert drunk and sleepy drivers especially during night time and avoid any unnecessary accident,” he said.

The MMDA is also trying to make the “pink fences” along the roads safer to motorists by placing reflectorized hazard markers on them.

Despite criticisms from motorists that the MMDA’s concrete U-turn slots are road hazards, the agency still maintains that U-turn slots are effective in decongesting Metro Manila.

Inocentes said that at present all the 38 U-turn slots put in place by the MMDA are now being evaluated.

“Those found to be hazardous will be closed to prevent future mishaps while those that do not pose any danger will be enhanced further,” he said.

The 38 U-turn slots were placed by the MMDA along C-5 Road, EDSA, Quezon Avenue, and Commonwealth Avenue.