MMDA resets U-turn slot closure

MANILA, Philippines — The U-turn slot along EDSA in Bagong Barrio, Caloocan will remain open until Jan. 4 next year, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said yesterday.

The MMDA said it was supposed to close the U-turn slot on Dec. 7 but chose to postpone it “in deference to the Christmas season.”

The U-turn slot would have been the seventh that the MMDA would close by the end of the year, following six others along EDSA: near Oliveros Drive; near Balintawak Market; near North Avenue; in front of Quezon City Academy; near Corregidor Street; and near Dario Bridge.

The U-turn slots were closed to ensure the free travel of city buses under the EDSA Busway project, wherein the innermost lane of EDSA – where the U-turn slots are found – are for exclusive use of city buses.

However, motorists criticized the closures for causing traffic jams near the closed U-turn slots and heavy buildup of cars at open ones.

MMDA general manager Jose Garcia Jr. said yesterday the closure has eased travel time for commuters, noting that travel time from Monumento, Caloocan to Makati is down to 45 minutes from three hours.