Cash-strapped MMDA wants rotundas to replace U-turn slots

MANILA, Philippines – Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Francis Tolentino said yesterday he is setting his sights on building rotundas to safely replace U-turn slots that were put in place by his predecessor, Bayani Fernando.

Despite a budget slash that threatens to cripple the MMDA’s operations, particularly in flood control and solid waste management, MMDA spokeswoman Christina Velasco said they “will find the budget” to push through with the rotunda project.

Tolentino said having rotundas built would prove cost-effective for the MMDA as these would not require additional traffic enforcers and traffic lights. He said studies conducted by the MMDA showed that there have been no fatal road accidents reported in areas where rotundas are located, such as the Bonifacio Circle in Balintawak, the Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City and at the Welcome Rotunda at the boundary of Manila and Quezon City.

“There are no fatal accidents in these areas as traffic will be free-flowing,” he said in an interview over dzRH yesterday.

Tolentino said the MMDA has chosen the EDSA-Baclaran-Pasay City area near the Heritage Hotel as a pilot site for a new rotunda. According to Tolentino, a computer simulation has shown that traffic in that area will improve with a rotunda in place.

He said aside from their traffic management value, rotundas can also add to the aesthetics of the metropolis. “With a rotunda, we will also have greenery in the middle of the road,” he said.