MMDA spruces up 'bikini island' at EDSA-North Avenue

MANILA, Philippines - The metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Wednesday spruced-up the intersection of EDSA-West Avenue-North Avenue where it had earlier created a “bikini island.”

“This is an opportunity for our agency to put its best foot forward to improve the image of EDSA and Metro Manila as a whole,” said MMDA chair Francis Tolentino.

Tolentino said given the increased volume of vehicles passing the intersection, the MMDA created the “bikini-type median island” to avoid vehicle conflict in the area.

The construction of the “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 MMDA earlier said.

“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 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.

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.

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.