Amid jeers, Edsa zipper lane back

Amid complaints from commuters tired of the snail-paced traffic flow on Edsa, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will open a counterflow or “zipper” lane for southbound vehicles from 6 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. every Wednesday and Friday starting Wednesday.

The counterflow lane will be on the northbound lane of Edsa from SM Megamall to Boni Avenue in Mandaluyong City.

The MMDA said it decided to implement the scheme since traffic on the northbound portion of Edsa is lighter in the morning.

However, it advised southbound vehicles going to Shaw Boulevard to avoid the zipper lane because it would bypass the road and take them directly to Boni Avenue.

MMDA Traffic Discipline Office head Cris Saruca said they have yet to determine how long they would implement the counterflow lane on the busy thoroughfare.

For the past weeks, commuters have complained of heavy traffic on Edsa and other major roads in Metro Manila. Saruca told the Inquirer, however, that this was due to several reasons, including heavy rains, flooding, road works and even mall sales.

“The MMDA did [its] best to remedy or manage the congestion. The Edsa zipper lane may help ease the morning rush on Edsa southbound,” Saruca said. -Maricar B. Brizuela