CEBU, Philippines - Traffic congestion at the Cebu South Coastal Road is seen to loosen with the Department of Public Works and Highways’ consent to have a portion of the center island fronting SM Seaside City removed.
Cebu City Transportation Office executive director lawyer Rey Gealon said DPWH-7 has granted their request to remove a portion of the center island, particularly fronting the road junction leading to the San Pedro Calungsod Chapel or Church Avenue within the SM-Seaside City Complex.
“This will facilitate the smooth flow of traffic in the area as the vehicles coming from Talisay City then going to Barangay Mambaling will have to get through SM and exit to Vestil Road (Mambaling Access Road), thereby not disrupting those vehicles coming from Mambaling then going to the viaduct. By then, the vehicles from Mambaling will be allowed to turn left to traverse the viaduct heading north,” Gealon explained.
Gealon said this is only a “temporary remedy” and the center island will be restored as soon as the submerged U-turn slots will be established under the viaduct and under the bridge bordering Cebu City and Talisay City.
In a letter to Marylou Neri, SM Supermalls Regional Operations Manager, and Roberto Varquez, the general manager of the SRP Management Office, Gealon laid down conditions for the project, which they have accepted.
Among the conditions, all the necessary engineering works for the proposed island opening shall be undertaken by the requesting parties and to be co-supervised by the technical personnel of the DPWH-Cebu City District Engineering Office.
Also, Gealon noted that the perimeter shall conform to the same “curb features” of the existing island in order to maintain uniformity and complement with the standard DPWH zebra-like painting along the new curb structure.
For its length, the requested island opening should not be more than seven meters and its location shall be precise with regard to the alignment of the Church Avenue.
“The cover of the lined canal along the CSCR that will be affected must be strengthened to cope with the loads of the heavy vehicles,” Gealon added. — (FREEMAN)