MMDA eyes 13 new load bays, 50 footbridges

To further ease pedestrian and vehicular traffic now, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), has laid out plans for additional loading bays and footbridges to be constructed along "major traffic jam zones" in the metropolis this year.

MMDA Deputy Chairman Cesar Lacuna confirmed that bays are to be completed at 13 main loading areas namely Monumento, Balintawak, Muñoz, West Avenue, North Avenue, Quezon Avenue, Timog Avenue, Cubao, Boni Serrano, Ortigas Avenue, Pioneer street, Guadalupe and Shaw Boulevard.

These areas are the most prone to bottlenecks and traffic jams due to the uncontrolled number of buses and commuters both on the north and south bound lanes of EDSA.

The loading bays serve as pick up points and disembarking areas for commuters and public utility buses. Each bus would be given ample time to load and unload passengers to avoid the usual congestion of traffic.

There are currently three operational bays situated at the southbound of Magallanes and Ayala Avenue and northbound of Cubao.

Meanwhile some 50 new footbridges would be built in areas critical along EDSA.

"This is also to ease the traffic flow because pedestrians are a primary cause of traffic," the MMDA official said.

A total of 23 footbridges have been built at major intersections. – Evelyn Macairan