To ensure the smooth flow of traffic for the operation of the Edsa Bus Carousel, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) unveiled a new traffic signalization system at two U-turn slots along EDSA in Quezon City on Wednesday.
“We are gearing towards this holiday season. Hence, we have installed traffic signal lights on the said areas to improve road safety, pedestrian movement as well as reduced travel time. It is operational 24/7,” said MMDA Chairman Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. Abalos, who led the ceremonial switching on of the new traffic lights at the two EDSA U-turn slots – one in front of the Quezon City Academy and another near Dario Bridge.
“Also, I thank Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte for being our partner, especially on traffic management initiatives,” he further said.
Abalos mentioned that the agency would reduce the number of traffic enforcers presently manning the area.
“Currently, we have eight personnel deployed on the said areas. We will deploy our personnel to other strategic locations along the major thoroughfares to man the traffic,” the MMDA chief said.
For his part, Quezon City Assistant Administrator Alberto Kimpo, who joined the inauguration, expressed gratitude to the MMDA for the project.
“We thank the management of MMDA for allowing the opening of U-turn slots at Dario Bridge and QC Academy which would benefit motorists,” Kimpo said.
To recall, only light vehicles were allowed to make a U-turn at Edsa-QC Academy while the U-turn slot near Dario Bridge was opened for emergency and government-marked vehicles only from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The installation of traffic lights at Edsa-QC Academy and Dario Bridge U-turn slots is part of the Phase V-Traffic Signalization Project of the MMDA Traffic Engineering Center.