DPWH eyes widening Mambaling-SRP road

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City government is anticipating the worsening of traffic at Mambaling access road of the South Road Properties (SRP) when the SM Seaside Complex will open September next year.

 A feasibility study will be conducted by the Community Economic Development Corporation (CEDCO) of Ohio whether or not it is applicable to have a four-lane road at Mambaling Access Road or underpass to attain a smooth traffic flow.

 The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) proposed the widening of Mambaling access road, which  got nod of Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama.

“For as long as it will create sufficient mobility, accessibility to address choke points, that would be always encouraging and the support should not be reluctantly given,” Rama said.

 He added that it would be best if  N. Bacalso avenue will also be included in the plan to solve traffic congestion along Shopwise and Gaisano malls.

The DPWH has tasked CEDCO to conduct a feasibility study not only in the Mambaling access road but also for the road networks in Metro Cebu.

SRP Management Office head Roberto “Bu” Varquez said the study will determine the length, width and lane of the road.

 The feasibility study will include the coastal road, an alternative passage from central Cebu to Mambaling access road and Carcar City to Danao City roads.

”By pass ang city center para fast flowing ang traffic,” he said adding that the plan is part of the Metro Cebu Development Project (MCDP)-3.

 Supposedly, Varquez said the coastal road should be designed first before SRP.

 The outcome of the study will be submitted before the year ends to the DPWH national office for funding. The feasibility study is one of the requirements to acquire infrastructure funds.

 Over the weekend, DPWH officials, Varquez, Cebu City Traffic Operations Management (Citom), the City’s Department of Engineering and Public Works discussed the road networking.

Meanwhile, Rama said he would like the DPWH to include the widening of certain streets in Cebu City from over P100 million infrastructure projects in preparation for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) next year.

 Rama proposed the widening of Archbishop Reyes Ave. to Talamban road; Talamban to Pit-os; Gorordo road from corner Escario extension towards Salinas, among others.

 â€œThis is to upgrade the city’s traffic management,” he added.  (FREEMAN)