Bus, car hit concrete barriers along EDSA

MANILA, Philippines — A private vehicle and a bus rammed yesterday the concrete barriers along the EDSA busway, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said.

A car driven by Dominador Velasco III tipped on its side after hitting the concrete barriers along the EDSA-Kamuning flyover at past midnight.

A concrete barrier along EDSA Monte De Piedad was swiped by a speeding bus driven by Esteban Handig at around 7 a.m.

The barrier tipped over, causing a Toyota Innova driven by Ronaldo Bahia to abruptly stop and collide with motorcycle rider Richard Dizon Jr.

The MMDA has advised motorists to maintain safe distance and speed along EDSA. Mobility groups called the barriers road hazards.

MMDA spokesperson Celine Pialago said the bus driver was speeding before hitting the concrete barrier.

“Sure, you can blame the bus for speeding all you want, but what was the fault of the vehicles in the video that got damaged?” road safety advocate vlogger Right of Way PH said on Twitter.

U-turn slots

The MMDA announced yesterday the gradual closure of U-turn slots on EDSA to improve the flow of traffic along the thoroughfare’s designated bus lanes.

The U-turn slot along EDSA near Trinoma and North Avenue will be closed on Sept. 28.

Motorists are advised to take alternative routes. Those coming from southbound to northbound may take Quezon Avenue service road U-turn slot. Those from northbound going southbound may take Quezon Academy U-turn slot.

More U-turn slots will be closed for the seamless implementation of the EDSA busway, MMDA chairman Danilo Lim said.

“Traffic advisories will be posted within the affected areas to inform the motorists and the commuting public,” Lim said.

The following U-turn slots are next to be closed: De Jesus, Gen. Tinio, Malvar and Biglang-Awa in Caloocan City; Balintawak, Kaingin, Landers, Dario Bridge, Walter Mart, Quezon City Academy, Timog and Santolan in Quezon City.

The following left-turn ramps will also be affected by the EDSA carousel: Ortigas going to Greenhills, Ortigas going to Meralco and EDSA going to Rockwell.

Affected motorists may use the service road or alternate routes, the MMDA said.