Travellers told to leave homes early on Aug 5

CEBU, Philippines — The Lapu-Lapu City government has advised the public to avoid the areas that would be utilized in the staging of the Ironman Asia-Pacific Championship on August 5.

In its rerouting plan, motorists are advised to take alternative routes during the triathlon race that will only run within the cities of Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue using the Mandaue-Mactan Bridge.

For those who have flights at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport, the city government encourages them to leave early from their homes in order to avoid being stuck in traffic.

"All motorists are advised to follow directional and informative signages installed on the roads/streets during the race and leave as early as possible or before the road closure especially hotel guests who have flights to catch at the airport," reads the traffic advisory of the City Traffic Management Systems (CTMS).

The total road closure will start at 4:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. from the left portion of the junction box of the Mandaue- Mactan Bridge to the junction box of Marcelo Fernan Bridge.

This will be the first time that the Sunrise Events, Inc. (SEI) will hold the Ironman within the cities of Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue and will be the first time to use the Mandaue-Mactan bridge for its 90-kilometer bike route.

The bike route will cross down the D. M. Cortes Street, to A. Soriano Avenue until the whole stretch of Zuellig Avenue in the North Reclamation Area (NRA) in Mandaue.

Meanwhile, the Mactan Circumferential road all the way to Marigondon Crossing will be closed, including the road in Sitio Mangal, Barangay Punta Engaño.

Alternative roads that will be open for motorists plying to and from the cities of Cebu and Mandaue will be the Fernan Bridge.

The cargo or trailer trucks, delivery vans or dump trucks are not advised to travel during the race event.

"They are not advised to travel during the race until the road closure is lifted," adds the advisory.

This will be the seventh time the city government is hosting the international race which drew about 2,500 participants from across the world. — GAN (FREEMAN)