Sinulog, heritage considered in BRT planning

CEBU, Philippines - The Bus Rapid Transit project targeted for implementation on 2015 will not affect Cebu’s biggest annual festival mainly held along the stretch of the Osmeña Boulevard.

BRT project lead consultant Colin Brader said that they have already thought of a solution to clear the roads to give way for the Annual Sinulog Grand Parade.

Among the solution is the rerouting of buses to avoid the Osmeña Boulevard road.

The portion of the road with humps that would separate the lanes exclusive to the BRT lanes will also be overlayed with rubber to level the ground.

“It would be as if BRT does not exist,” Brader said.

The overlay will be removed after the festivity.

Brader also assured that the feasibility study has considered and incorporated the preservation of heritage sites along the pilot route.

Earlier, the Movement for a Livable Cebu (MLC) raised concern on the impact of the BRT to the heritage site.

Joel Lee of MLC said earlier that Osmeña Boulevard is identified with the annual celebration of the Feast of Sr. Sto. Niño.

The MLC also appealed to the BRT project committee to, as much as possible, build the necessary structures in a way that will not obstruct the view of the Capitol Building.

The Fuente Osmeña Circle will also not be touched but will actually be highlighted and be made more accessible to the public in the proposal.

Almost half of the circle will be shared only by the BRT and the pedestrians.

It will provide easy access to the Fuente Osmeña Circle which, at present, is “dangerous” to access for pedestrians.

The proposed traffic at the circle is inspired by the traffic system around the Trafalgar Square in London.

Brader also assured that with the BRT system, the implementation of which will include the rehabilitation and beautification of sidewalks, the public will be able to conveniently walk along the sidewalks of the Osmeña Boulevard. — (FREEMAN)