Dry run for new traffic scheme on Elliptical Road now implemented 

We reported a couple of weeks ago that the Department of Transportation (DOTr) had plans to improve the bike lanes in Quezon City. In connection with this, the said agency has begun a pilot run for a new traffic scheme. 

Here's a map showing the pilot run for the new traffic scheme in QC

The said pilot run started on October 22, 2022, and it is now being implemented on the intersections of Visayas Avenue and North Avenue along the Elliptical Road.  

With regards to how this works, the traffic scheme involves a temporary triangle-shaped intersection island. Motorists are then urged to keep to the rightmost lanes when exiting the Elliptical Road. It is also expected that traffic enforcers will be present in the vicinity during the said pilot run.  

According to the DOTr, the intersection island was deemed necessary as it may be able to prevent bottlenecks during rush hours. It wasn’t stated explicitly in the report, but it also appears that a portion of the said island also provides cyclists a “safe zone” when crossing the said intersection.   

Be aware that these are among the busiest thoroughfares in Quezon City. This is true in particular for the Elliptical Road, as it interconnects other traffic-heavy routes like the aforementioned roads, including Commonwealth avenue.   

The Elliptical Road is one of the busiest routes in Quezon City

So to address safety concerns and improve traffic flow, the DOTr and the Quezon City government have been studying new road configurations for the benefit of everyone including cyclists, the commuting public, and pedestrians. This new traffic scheme is a part of this joint effort.  

If all goes according to plan, we can then surmise that this traffic scheme might also be implemented at other similar intersections in the future. In our previous report, the optimization of jeepney stops along the Elliptical Road and Commonwealth was also brought up, but the said agency is yet to provide updates regarding that.  

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