QUEZON CITY, Philippines — At a glance, there seems nothing wrong with the traffic lights at the intersection of Quezon Avenue and Araneta Avenue.
But a closer look will show one that is poorly positioned in a spot blocked by a footbridge and hidden from view.
In a recent post by the motoring website Top Gear Philippines, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) earned criticisms due to the awkward position of the traffic light.
“It should be positioned in a higher place so we can see it,” suggests Elmer Cabasingan, motorist.
“It must be visible, it should be positioned higher so motorist going left will be able to see it, what they did was wrong,” complains motorist Lester Aldaya.
The MMDA said it was intentionally done. They were preparing the traffic light to give way for the removal of the footbridge and the construction of the Skyway Stage 3 Project.
“The position of the traffic light was intentionally done because the Skyway Project will hit the footbridge. When we removed the footbridge, we need the traffic light so that pedestrian can cross easily. So, it was placed for the safety of the pedestrians,” explained MMDA Chair Emerson Carlos.
The MMDA plans to rehabilitate the footbridge soon after its removal.
As the case with the recently opened footbridge at Welcome Rotonda-Quezon Avenue that was reconditioned under MMDA’s “Adopt-a-Footbridge” Program where private sectors will rehabilitate and beautify all the footbridges in Metro Manila under the Public-Private Partnership.
The interested private partner will fund all the cost of the rehabilitation.
The improvement shall include the construction of a covered walkway to protect pedestrian from extreme heat and rain. Ornamental plants will also be placed to reduce air pollution.
The private partner will also put CCTV cameras and lights. There will also be a 24-hour roving security guard at the footbridge.
Soon, MMDA will also put up a non-skid stairs for person with disabilities like what they did in recent “Adopt-a-Footbridge” Project.
(MON JOCSON/UNTV News)
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