The original Anda monument was erected in 1871 near the Pasig River, in honor of Simón de Anda y Salazar’s successful repulsion of British invaders in 1764. The monument was rebuilt at its present site after the original was destroyed in World War II. PHOTO BY RUY MARTINEZ
The original Anda monument was erected in 1871 near the Pasig River, in honor of Simón de Anda y Salazar’s successful repulsion of British invaders in 1764. The monument was rebuilt at its present site after the original was destroyed in World War II. PHOTO BY RUY MARTINEZ

DESPERATE for a solution to ease the flow of traffic in and around the vicinity of Port Area, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on Monday said it plans to convert Rotonda Anda which is more popularly known as Anda Circle into an intersection.

DPWH Undersecretary Raul Asis said they are hopeful that converting Anda Circle, one of the more popular landmarks in the city, into a signal light intersection road would lead to better flow of vehicular traffic.

Anda Circle is located at the boundary of Intramuros and Port Area in Manila and serves as an interchange system at the junction of Bonifacio Drive and Andres Soriano Avenue formerly Calle Aduana.

“Parang we want a freer flow of traffic especially sa trucks. We feel kung gagawin namin na signal light ang intersection over road, mas gaganda ang flow ng traffic (We want a freer flow of traffic especially for big trucks and we feel if will convert the circle into an intersection with signal light, the flow of traffic will be easier),” Asis said in an interview.

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He explained that if the roundabout will be removed, motorists would just have to go straight to the direction they are heeding or could just proceed to the left side of the area.

He however clarified that they still have to coordinate with the National Historical Institute (NHI) before they can implement their plans.

“We have to coordinate with [the] NHI ... we are finalizing plans, hopefully we would finish the plans next week,” he said.

But he noted that initial feedbacks from the NHI indicate that it is amenable to the idea of tearing down the roundabout.