Roads partially closed for bridge rehab

CEBU, Philippines —  Starting today, May 12, a portion of M. Logarta Avenue, S.O. Albaño Street, and Gatewalk Ayala Road, particularly the northbound lane, will be temporarily closed as the bridge over Mahiga Creek undergoes rehabilitation and elevation works.

Mandaue Traffic Enforcement Agency (TEAM) head Hyll Retuya advised motorists to expect slight traffic congestion during the duration of the project.

Retuya said the repair project, which will be facilitated by the Department of Public Works and Highways, is expected to be completed around November this year.

“Expect ta og medyo traffic-traffic especially kay first day no,” said Retuya.

Retuya said the purpose of the rehabilitation is to elevate the bridge and address flooding in the area.

He added that TEAM has already coordinated with the Cebu City Traffic Office (CCTO) regarding traffic management.

“Ang Mandaue will give way,” said Retuya.

He explained that vehicles coming from Cebu City heading to Mandaue City will still be allowed to pass through the area.

“They have all the access, makasulod ra sila,” said Retuya.

However, motorists traveling from Mandaue City to Cebu City will be redirected to alternative routes identified by TEAM.

“First ang sa Logarta, leading to Logarta Avenue, and kaning sa Gatewalk Ayala Road. Also, another option will be katong mo-right turn ka padung sa Panagdait mao nay gawasanan nimo sa Cebu City,” said Retuya.

Meanwhile, both modern and traditional public utility jeepneys and buses are exempted from the rerouting scheme and are required to continue following their regular routes.

“Kini sila I understand naa ni silay mga travel line, dili ni nato sila pwede i-divert. Mao lang ni sila ang makagawas gikan sa Mandaue City,” said Retuya.

Retuya added that non-PUJ vehicles that mistakenly enter the restricted route may be issued traffic violations, with enforcement to be handled by the CCTO.

“Even motorcycles mo-divert na siya kay once naay masaag didto, dakop na sa CCTO kung mogawas,” said Retuya.

Aside from private cars and motorcycles from Mandaue City, v-hires and taxis are also required to take the alternate route going to Cebu City.

Retuya said private vehicle drivers, including motorcycle riders, should not worry as traffic enforcers and personnel will be deployed from the Subangdaku bridge and other access points to guide motorists.

He added that once the southbound lane also undergoes rehabilitation, the same traffic rules will still apply.

“Padayon gihapon ang Cebu City nga mao ray matagaan og access pasulod, ang from Mandaue will always divert,” said Retuya. — (FREEMAN)