Due to the increasing number of road mishaps where vehicles accidentally hit concrete barriers along EDSA, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced that it will be installing more hazard markers.
MMDA intends to significantly improve visibility along Metro Manila’s main artery in an effort to avoid further accidents related to the concrete barriers.
“The MMDA would give additional precaution on the barriers by putting hazard markers on top to improve visibility. I have already directed our Traffic Engineering Center to start the installation of extra hazard markers to supplement the existing ones already in place,” MMDA general manager Jojo Garcia said.
During the general community quarantine, the MMDA put up the concrete barriers to mark the dedicated bus lane under the bus route rationalization program. But since the barriers were put in place, the MMDA observed an increase in the number of accidents.
“The MMDA recorded at least 18 accidents involving concrete barriers in various points along EDSA, mostly self-accidents, from the June 1 to 19,” MMDA spokesperson Celine Pialago said during an interview with The Philippine STAR.
This week alone, there was a couple of concrete barrier-related incidents documented by MMDA.
On Thursday night, a van overturned after hitting a concrete barrier at EDSA’s northbound lane near the Guadalupe bridge. Driver Dennis Ortiz admitted to being drunk and liquor bottles were found inside the vehicle.
Rider Bernardo Ochoa was thrown off his motorcycle and hit his head on a concrete barrier along EDSA southbound in Mandaluyong, Friday night. He was speeding on a wet road along the bus lane.
“It is unfair to blame the concrete barriers for the accidents. These barriers are visible with reflectorized flaglets,” said MMDA traffic chief Bong Nebrija. – Marc Jayson Cayabyab
