Motorists still "unaware" of bridge repair

CEBU, Philippines - Workers at the Mactan Export Processing Zone were late, and many drivers were still unaware of the ongoing repair at the Marcelo B. Fernan Bridge.

With that, more traffic enforcers were deployed by the Lapu-Lapu City Traffic Management System (TMS) office to guide motorists from the Mactan Export Processing Zone and the Mactan International Airport.

TMS head Frank Brazil told The FREEMAN that some of the drivers still did not know of the ongoing bridge repair despite several announcements and traffic advisories.

“Daghan nga uban drayber dili musubay sa hustong lane nga maoy nakadugang sa problema, kay wala man sila mahibawo nga dunay repair sa bridge maong nagpataka nalang sila og agi,” said Brazil. (Many drivers were lost, they did not use the right lanes so these worsened the traffic.)

According to Brazil, owners of private vehicles from Mactan Airport are now using the first Mactan-Mandaue bridge by passing the Sangi Road at the back of the Lapu-Lapu City Hall.

He advised the public to make some adjustments if they have to cross the bridge especially at night time. Traffic problem along Manuel L. Quezon Avenue up to Marcelo B. Fernan Bridge starts at 3 p.m. based on last Monday’s experience.

Because some of the multicabs affected by the traffic along Manuel L. Quezon Avenue are bound for Mandaue City, a number of night duty workers of some companies inside MEPZ 1 were affected.

DPWH district engineer Santiago Suico, Jr. of the 6th engineering district claimed that except for slow moving traffic in the morning, the first day of the bridge repair went on smoothly.

The outer lane of the bridge going to Mandaue City was closed for repair starting at 10:00 a.m. yesterday. This is part of the first phase of the bridge repair which is scheduled to be completed within 14 working days. The entire repair work is scheduled for 88 working days.

Lapu-lapu City officials, on the other hand, said they are preparing the days when the lane from Mandaue City side of the Marcelo B. Fernan Bridge will also be closed and those affected are passengers bound for the city. — (FREEMAN)