Phase 1 dry run tomorrow: Road project phase 2 to start next week

CEBU, Philippines - Motorists and commuters plying S. Osmeña Boulevard are advised to brace for heavy traffic once again in anticipation to the start of the phase 2 of the road-concreting project next week.

This as the Cebu City Traffic Operations Management will conduct a traffic dry run tomorrow along the thoroughfare since phase 1 of the P289-million S. Osmeña Blvd. rehabilitation project is already completed.

CITOM operations chief Joy Tumulak said this is to test how the opening of the road would affect the flow of traffic in the said thoroughfare.   The road is passable to light vehicles including public utility jeepneys, taxis, and private cars.

However, if the opening of the road will cause traffic problems, the road will be temporarily closed to pave way for the recreation of a route scheme, said Tumulak.

“Pananglitan sa dry run way masugatan nga problema then go na. Pero kun naa, mag-temporary close ‘ta for the reversion like sa vehicle or route, or barrier nga kailangan tangtangon. And, para naa pa’y time for adjustment if necessary,” he said.

“We will find out what’s going to be an impact of the opening of the road. Make an assessment, make appropriate recommendation and report to our mayor,” City Acting Mayor Edgardo Labella also said, adding that all stakeholders along S. Osmeña Blvd. are advised to witness the dry run.

Phase 1 of the project involved concreting half of the stretch of S. Osmeña Blvd. from Pier 5 to Pier 4 while Phase 2 will involve concreting Pier 4 to Pier 3, which would last for more than two months. The entire project is scheduled to be completed by the end of November.

While the project is ongoing, Jose Briones Street, J. De Vera Street, Arellano Street and Baclig Avenue (Cebu Port Authority service road) will be used as alternative routes for vehicles plying on the said road.

The project covers 2.503 kilometers of S. Osmeña Blvd., from the bridge near the Cebu International Port that connects Cebu City to Mandaue City, to Palma Street, near the subway across Plaza Independencia. — (FREEMAN)