Mandaue installing traffic lights in accident-prone intersections

CEBU, Philippines — The Mandaue City Government will install two new modern traffic light systems this year in two accident-prone intersections as part of efforts to improve road safety and regulate traffic flow.

Traffic Enforcement Agency of Mandaue (TEAM) head Hyll Retuya said yesterday that the city has allocated ?15 million for the procurement and installation of the traffic lights, with the purchase request already being processed.

The new traffic signals will be installed at the intersections of E.O. Perez Street in Barangay Subangdaku and C.D. Seno Street in Barangay Tipolo, both identified by TEAM as high-risk areas due to the absence of traffic lights.

Retuya said the two projects were prioritized after traffic crash data showed a significant number of accidents and fatalities in the areas.

“Ato na siyang gihatagan og priority tungod kay nigawas sa atong data nga tungod sa mga road crashes and naa sad tay mga significant number of fatalities caused by accidents dinha,” he said.

He said the installations are expected to be completed within the year.

He said TEAM personnel are currently deployed at both intersections, but the heavy volume of vehicles has made manual traffic management insufficient.

“We really need a traffic light g’yud diha,” he said.

Once installed, the traffic lights are expected to help regulate vehicle movement, reduce road crashes, and improve safety for motorists, commuters, and pedestrians using the busy intersections.

Retuya said the new traffic light systems will add to the more than 20 signalized intersections already operating across Mandaue City.

Retuya added that the two new systems will also be equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) features, similar to the city’s first AI-assisted traffic lights installed at the intersection of M.C. Briones Street and U.N. Avenue in Barangay Ibabao-Estancia.

“This will follow kining duha ka intersections,” Retuya said.

He also thanked Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano for allocating funds for the project.

“Pasalamat kaayo ko’g dako ni Mayor Ouano sa pag-allocate og budget para ani,” Retuya said.

While the two intersections are being prioritized, Retuya said the city also plans to install additional traffic lights in other areas in the future.

“Duna pod tay plano, pero natagaan lang ni og unang pagtagad kining duha ka intersections,” he said. (FREEMAN)