MMDA to start closing U-Turn slots along EDSA on September 28

Closures will be gradual starting with the U-Turn slot near Trinoma Mall.

On September 28, 2020, the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will gradually start closing 13 U-turn slots situated along the length of the Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA). As we’ve said before in a previous report, drivers who regularly use the said thoroughfare will need to plan their routes to come up with a detour.

A picture of the U-turn slot in front of trinoma mall.

The U-turn slot in front of Trinoma Mall

According to MMDA General Manager Jojo Garcia, the closures of the U-turn slots will be gradual in nature. The agency will start with the U-turn slot located near the Trinoma Mall in North Avenue, Quezon City, and the other slots will be addressed later on. The whole operation will take three months.

The MMDA will begin with the northbound part of EDSA before turning to the southbound slots later on. On the other hand, U-turn slots located in intersections with underpasses and flyovers will remain in place. In case you’re wondering, the purpose of the U-Turn slot closures is to make way for new bus lanes along EDSA.

Last week, MMDA Chairman Danilo Lim said that there will be sufficient warning with regards to the changes to be done on EDSA. Affected areas will receive traffic advisories to inform motorists, and the commuting public as well. Furthermore, the Traffic Engineering Center will put in place signs and the MMDA will deploy traffic enforcers to these areas as needed.

A picture of EDSA with the bus lane in view.

Let's hope that this closure of U-turn slots will work

Regardless, Garcia said that there will be an initial inconvenience. As such, he asks for the public’s patience. Nevertheless, it was estimated by the MMDA itself that with the closure of these U-Turn slots, travel time for buses plying along EDSA will be faster.

As a side note, the modified number coding scheme is still suspended along major thoroughfares in the National Capital Region due to the limited operations of public transportation. However, motorists are advised to check if the number coding scheme is being implemented in local government units (LGU).

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EDSA MMDA

Cesar G.B. Miguel

Author

Cesar is a graduate of AB English with previous experience working as a freelance writer for varied internet publications in-between his former stints in the Pharmaceutical Industry, and later as a First Aid Provider and Training Staff at the Iligan City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.

Since childhood, Cesar has been keenly interested in cars. He has learned the ins and outs of these marvelous vehicles and is a competent amateur mechanic who is keen on sharing his knowledge.

Cesar is perceptive of car culture in general – not only in the Philippines but in global regard, as well. His knowledge ranges from the prevalent stories and trends among car enthusiasts around the world, to closely following the latest local and international developments in the automotive industry.