MMDA to close 7th EDSA U-turn slot

MANILA, Philippines — The Bagong Barrio U-turn slot along EDSA is next to be closed down and the seventh to give way to the EDSA Busway despite worsening traffic.

According to an advisory from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), motorists are advised to take detour routes in Monumento Circle or Balintawak Cloverleaf due to the latest U-turn closure on Dec. 7.

The MMDA is sealing off the U-Turn slots along EDSA to ensure the unhampered travel of buses along its inner leftmost lane, but this has worsened traffic for private motorists forced to find detours.

Six U-turn slots have been closed by the MMDA – the one near Oliveros Drive; near Balintawak Market; near North Avenue; in front of Quezon City Academy; near Corregidor Street; and near Dario Bridge.

Despite the usual holiday traffic, private cars move at 20 to 30 kilometers per hour along EDSA, over three times faster than the seven kph recorded in November last year, MMDA general manager Jojo Garcia said in defending the Busway project.