CBRT mgt defends safety parameters

CEBU, Philippines — While the security measures for the ongoing civil works of the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT) are being thoroughly discussed, its management defended the security parameters and emphasized on the driving guidelines instead.

Yesterday, the Cebu City Council heard from the CBRT management and the contractor about the safety measures it is implementing on the ongoing civil works.

This followed the privilege speech of Councilor Noel Wenceslao, who addressed reported recent road mishaps involving the removable barriers installed along Osmeña Boulevard, a portion of the CBRT route.

Before Wenceslao’s speech, Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia had ordered the temporary removal of the lane separators following safety concerns raised by reports of motorists tripping over them.

CBRT manager Norvin Imbong appeared before the body and presented the current condition of their civil works on Osmeña Blvd. where the road accidents reportedly occurred.

In his presentation, Imbong showed the different types of traffic rules, each represented by different types of lanes.

Imbong said that as these traffic guidelines were already in place and still in effect, the installed curb separators were positioned inside the double solid lines, with reflectors attached on it. He added that this meant overtaking should not be allowed.

Wenceslao, for his part, said that he resides in the area where the curb separators are visible. According to him, the safety measures were installed only after the accident.

He explained that when the curb separators were first installed, they weren't reflectorized, which contributed to the accidents.

Imbong, however, argued that the curb separators were reflectorized at the same time they were installed. He stressed that the two solid white lines and the two solid yellow lines had already been marked, from the corner of Landbank to the Fuente Station.

“I think it's been there for eight months, approximately,” said Imbong.

Wenceslao, however, said that he personally witnessed the installation of the curb separators and attested that they weren't initially integrated with reflectors.

“You have to admit that because I was there,” said Wenceslao, to which Imbong countered.

Wenceslao further explained that the lack of lighting to emphasize the presence of the separators had caused the accidents. He said that a series of accidents had occurred because of the separators.

As his presentation progressed, Imbong stated that the markings prohibiting lane changes were glaringly evident. In the same presentation, Imbong also showed a video of a motorcycle rider changing lanes despite the two solid white lines indicating that overtaking was prohibited.

“And our question is, why is it that our drivers tend to cross those solid white lines when, based on our description previously, they act as an island where overtaking is prohibited?” said Imbong.

Wenceslao further recommended adding more reflectors along the stretch for better illumination and to prevent future accidents.

Currently, Imbong said that one of the major tasks remaining in their civil works is the station roof near the Overhead High Voltage Transmission Lines at the Cebu South Bus Terminal (CSBT).

According to him, the construction of this part has not been completed due to concerns for the safety of workers who might face accidents.

In line with this, Imbong said they have asked the Visayan Electric to either transfer these high-tension wires or lift them higher.

He said the CBRT project includes four bus stations: one near the CSBT, another near the Cebu Normal University, the Fuente station, and a station in front of the Capitol that was removed. He reiterated that the fourth station will be near the Escario stretch.

As of now, the Package 1 of the CBRT is 90 percent completed. Its route includes the stretch from the CSBT to the Capitol area, and from the corner of Landbank to Plaza Independencia, which also involved street enhancements.

For Packages 2 and 3, Imbong said they are waiting for the "No Objection Certification" from the World Bank to proceed to the purchasing phase.

In line with the ongoing civil works, Wenceslao also asked the CBRT management to put up an advisory as a precautionary measure. — /JG (FREEMAN)