CCTO enforces new scheme to ease traffic jam at CSCR

CEBU, Philippines — To ease mounting congestion along the Cebu South Coastal Road (CSCR), the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) will begin enforcing a “No Left Turn” regulation at two key junctions starting today (September 4).

The measure, which targets peak-hour traffic from Monday to Friday, is part of CCTO’s broader effort to streamline vehicular flow and reduce bottlenecks in one of the city’s most critical thoroughfares.

Under the new scheme, left turns will be prohibited at the CSCR intersections with El Pardo Road and F. Vestil Street during the morning rush from 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM and again from late afternoon to evening, or from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Motorists approaching these junctions will be rerouted to designated U-turn slots located beneath the SRP Viaduct Bridge and near the Cebu City–Talisay City Border Bridge.

Traffic enforcers will be deployed to guide drivers and ensure compliance with the rerouting plan.

The CCTO is urging motorists to plan their trips, observe posted signs, and exercise patience as the city adjusts to the new traffic plan.

CCTO’s move comes amid growing public frustration over traffic gridlock along the South Road Properties (SRP), a span originally designed for high-speed, uninterrupted driving.

Over the past year, however, the opening of new intersections—particularly at El Pardo Street and Il Corso—has given rise to traffic lights and turning lanes that have disrupted the flow of vehicles and created choke points during peak hours.

The decision to open the El Pardo-Il Corso junction was also criticized, with some calling it “counterproductive” and warning that it undermines the SRP’s original design.

Vehicles from El Pardo Street are currently allowed to turn left or proceed toward Il Corso Mall, while those coming from Cebu City are forced into longer detours through the Il Corso Rotunda, which increases travel time and contributes to gridlock.

Urban planners and transport advocates have long pointed to the need for better traffic management in Cebu City, where rapid urbanization and increased vehicle ownership have outpaced infrastructure upgrades.

While the No Left Turn policy is expected to reduce intersection delays and improve overall traffic circulation, its success will depend on public cooperation and sustained enforcement.

The CCTO is expected to monitor the situation closely, and the outcome of the measure. — /RAE (FREEMAN)