Capitol compound as access road: Successful on first day

CEBU, Philippines - Using the road at the Capitol compound as an alternative to avoid traffic congestion at the Don Gil Garcia St., beside the Provincial Capitol, proved to be successful on the first day, a Capitol official said.

Security consultant Cesar Veloso said the traffic on the road between the Palace of Justice and the Cebu Provincial Legislative Building was controllable.

“Maayo kaayo ang flow sa traffic,” he said.

Veloso, however, said that Don Gil Garcia Street remains congested because Public Utility Jeepneys continue to use the road instead of the access road. Although, Veloso said the volume of vehicles on the said street was reduced by about 50-percent.

Motorists are advised to take the access road at the Capitol compound as the road-widening project of the Department of Public Works and Highways and the Cebu City District Engineering Office is being undertaken at Don Gil Garcia St.

The access road can be used by vehicles bound for M. Velez Street coming from Escario Street because they will just make a right turn entering the Capitol premises then exit to M. Velez Street.

Veloso called on the drivers to take the access road to avoid traffic congestion beside the Capitol.

Jeepneys, taxis, private vehicles and other light vehicles can use the access road from 7 am to 7 pm.

In order not to cause any disturbance in the Palace of Justice and the Legislative Building, the City Traffic Operations Management strictly implemented traffic rules and regulations to ensure smooth flow of traffic.

Under the MOA signed by Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, the CITOM, and the DPWH, the flow of traffic on the access road will be one way while the stopping of vehicles, loading and unloading of passenger, parking and the blowing of horns are prohibited.

The CITOM are also being assisted by the Capitol security personnel in managing the traffic inside the compound.

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama requested Garcia to allow the use of the access road, citing that Don Gil. Garcia St. is the only access road that can be used by vehicles going to and from Guadalupe from Escario Street and Osmeña Boulevard, and is currently being widened.    - (THE FREEMAN)