MMDA mulls ‘zipper lane’ on EDSA

MANILA, Philippines - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) plans to expand the “zipper lane,” a counter-flow scheme currently being implemented along the Rockwell flyover in Makati, to EDSA, an official said yesterday.

“The zipper lane has been proven effective in easing traffic along Rockwell flyover,” MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino told The STAR.

They are considering the scheme since the bulk of southbound vehicles come in from Quezon City in the morning while the traffic buildup on EDSA’s northbound lane occurs during the afternoon, he said.

One of EDSA’s southbound lanes will be open to northbound motorists from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. while one of EDSA’s northbound lanes will be open to southbound motorists from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Tolentino added.

Tolentino, however, clarified that the MMDA’s Traffic Engineering Center is still finalizing its study of the proposed expansion of the zipper lane as part of a government program to ease traffic along EDSA and other major roads in the metropolis.

The MMDA chief said only light vehicles and private vehicles will be allowed on the proposed zipper lane. Road signs will be put up and U-turn slots closed while the counter-flow is in effect, he added.

Tolentino said if the EDSA zipper lane is a success, a similar scheme may be implemented along C5 Road.