Traffic rerouting ‘without hitches’

CEBU, Philippines - The first day of the use of Gov. M. Roxas Street inside the Capitol Compound as diversion road yesterday went without a glitch.

This was according to Capitol Chief of Security Loy Madrigal, who observed traffic flow inside the compound with City Traffic Operations Management Operations Officer Jonathan Tumulak early morning yesterday.

“Maayo man, so far. Wa’y congestion. Naa lay mga driver mohunong but (we have) personnel posted in the area to tell them nga di pwede mohunong,” said Madrigal.

He said he, Tumulak, and Provincial Civil Security Unit personnel observed traffic during the first few hours of the whole exercise.

He said flow of traffic was okay except during rush hours, when office workers and students are in a hurry to go to school in the morning and go home fast in the afternoon.

Madrigal, though, said the use of Gov. M. Roxas Street as diversion road, which might last for four to six weeks, was “okay” in terms of traffic flow even when the road is not as wide as the closed N. Escario Street.

The Department of Public Works and Highways has temporarily closed a portion of M. Velez Street to make way for the road concreting project there.

Madrigal also reminded PUJs to not load and unload passengers while inside the Capitol premises so as not to cause traffic congestion. He said the drivers can do so at designated areas, which the CITOM has already provided.

Only public utility jeepneys, taxicabs, private cars, and other light vehicles bound for M. Velez Street can use the diversion road, which is open from 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Madrigal also said they would make security adjustments now that more vehicles would be passing inside the Capitol Compound.

He said, though, that, while there is “no threat” to the Capitol, he and his men would have all visitors undergo security checks. —/RHM (FREEMAN)