Session road lacks lane markings

WEEKS after the completion of the P20-million asphalt overlay projects in Session Road, pedestrian lanes and other safety markings are still nowhere to be found.

The delay in the placing of edge and center lines as well as pedestrian lanes in Session Road is now causing traffic congestion as well as fears among pedestrians who are crossing in areas previously designated as pedestrian lanes.

Baguio City Police Office Traffic Management Branch (BCPO-TMB) head James Allan Logan said the lack of pedestrian lanes and safety markings on the road results to pedestrians crossing just about anywhere.

Logan said pedestrians, who are supposed to cross in designated pedestrian lanes, are now more spread out because of the lack of markings forcing the BCPO-TMB to deploy personnel to assist pedestrians during rush hours.

Motorists are also confused on where to stop when pedestrians are crossing as the markings for the pedestrian lanes are now gone, he said.

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Baguio district engineer Ireneo Gallato pinned the blame on the City Government, particularly on the Traffic and Transport Management Committee (TTMC), which is still debating on where to place the pedestrian lanes along Session Road.

The previous TTMC decision also included the closure of the pedestrian lanes in front of Cid Bookstore. The TTMC claimed then that the cause of traffic congestion in Session Road is the numerous pedestrian crossings.

Gallato promised the contractor will place the safety markings and pedestrian lanes before the end of the month just as soon as the TTMC gives a final decision on where to place them.

Before the asphalt overlay project along Session Road, several pedestrian lanes were designated at the Post Office Loop, Porta Vaga, Baguio Cathedral Stairs and in front of the Philippine National Bank.