Experiment revised after traffic jam

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Traffic Operations Management yesterday revised its road experiment after hearing complaints from motorists over the weekend.

CITOM executive director Rafael Yap said that they need to adjust after hearing the negative complaints of motorists.

Mayor Michael Rama ordered the closure of portions of S. Osmeña on Saturday to avoid further accidents in the area because of the deep potholes. But half of the road was reopened yesterday to minimize the effect of traffic congestion.

Yap advised motorists to avoid the whole stretch and take alternate routes to further ease the traffic congestion in the area.

He said that those going to and from Mandaue City can pass through Mandaue North Road.

“Alternate routes are Logarta, Mandaue north road, F. Cabahug going to Ayala. If gikan ka A.S fortuna then take Ban-Tal which has improved since no-left turn,” he said, adding that removing significant road space would translate to congestion.

Those who are from downtown area can take M.J. Cuenco Avenue towards Sikatuna Street then Baclig Avenue to J. Luna Street.

“We don’t want to repeat the Saturday’s performance because that was four-hour congestion,” he said.

CITOM deployed additional 30 personnel in the area to man the traffic.  Yap said that Rama’s assessment with traffic accidents in the area prompted the sudden road experiment.

“It is quite dangerous and hazardous. Thus, necessitating the drastic intervention. So motorists are aware of the potential hazard that could be encountered in that area,” Yap said.

Rama wants the concreting of the whole stretch of S. Osmeña to be expedited because the road cannot be opened unless the project is done. He said that he needs the cooperation of all stakeholders especially the business establishments along the road.

“If they don’t cooperate, ang ending silay disadvantage,” he said, adding that he wants the contractors to cooperate with the city government.

 Rama said that the contract of WT Construction is until April but he wants the project to be finished earlier.

He said that the city government has asphalted the area to cover the potholes before the Sinulog celebration. He assigned lawyer Joy Pesguera, Barangay Captains Joel Garganera and Boy Miranda to talk with DPWH, WT Construction, SM Prime Holdings, and the Cebu Ports Authority on his plan to widen the road.

“When we widen road, it will include removal of CPA fence. If fence is removed, you will (have) a beautiful wide range of road towards sa Plaza Independencia. And that will bring a beautiful entry,” he said.

He said that he is planning to have a viewing deck to be built near Block 27 in North Reclamation Area through people-privately driven governance as part of cultural preservation. (FREEMAN)