MMDA says 'bikini island' on EDSA-North Avenue intersection improved traffic

MANILA, Philippines - The construction of a bikini-shaped island at the intersection of EDSA and North Avenue in Quezon City has sped-up vehicular traffic in the area by at least 24.86 percent, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said on Monday.

“Hindi lang itsura at mukha nung area ang nabago, lumapad, nawala yung mga center islands doon na nakaharang at nagco-constrict ng daloy, maging yung travel speed, may konting increase na mahigit 20 percent,” said MMDA Chair Francis Tolentino.

Tolentino added that the triangular or bikini shape of the island is also effective in preventing road accidents as compared to the traditional shape of the center islands that it had replaced.

“Parang triangle ito, at doon talaga dadaloy, hindi katulad dati na dere-derecho ka lang. Pwede mo masagi mga bus. Meron itong kurbada na tatlo. Lahat yan ay para maiwasan ang mga aksidente,” said Tolentino.

The MMDA earlier said the "bikini island" would enable vehicles traveling westbound from North Avenue to get to the opposite lane without having to make a U-turn.

The MMDA said U-turn slots in the area would be removed once the bikini island is in place. According to the MMDA, vehicles using the U-turn slots make the area virtual chokepoints that slow down traffic.

“We have observed that the chokepoints on Edsa corner North Avenue and Congressional Avenue are caused by U-turn slots in the area so as a solution, starting this week, we will adjust bus separators, remove some unloading bays and modify U-turn slot locations.  Those vehicles making a U-turn are obstructing cars plying Edsa which are going straight to Monumento” MMDA General Manager Emerson Carlos earlier said.

In addition to the bikini-shaped island, the MMDA will also erect steel fences in front of the Trinoma mall to prevent buses from stopping to load and unload passengers.

“We really need to instill discipline because commuters waiting on the road could be hard to control especially if there are quite a number of them,” Carlos said.

According to the MMDA, waiting for buses in “no loading areas” will constitute a jaywalking offense with commuters caught to be fined P500 and be required to provide community service for three hours aside from attending a disaster seminar.