Councilors approve repainting of lanes

COUNCILORS recently approved a move by Councilor Nicasio Aliping asking Mayor Mauricio Domogan to reopen the pedestrian lane at Lower Session Road after the pedestrian was closed.

The pedestrian was closed following a study to improve traffic flow along the Baguio City’s main lane. The study cited the numerous pedestrian lanes are that causing the slow movement of vehicles in the area, particularly along lower Session Road.

Aliping told his fellow councilors a Traffic and Transport Management Committee (TTMC) decision on December 20, 2011 recommended for the reduction of the six existing lanes in Session Road to three but the clamor of the senior citizens and the barangay prompted them to seek for the reopening of the identified pedestrian crossing.

He said the inconvenience and discomfort caused by closing the pedestrian crossing in Lower Session Road to senior citizens who have been complaining of going around Magsaysay Avenue’s overpasses or moving to another pedestrian lane at Philippine National Bank (PNB) just to reach jeepney terminals and business establishments.

Councilor Elmer Datuin said an earlier TTMC decision also promised to expand the existing pedestrian lane in front of the PNB in Session Road but was not implemented.

Councilor Richard Cariño also emphasized that people need access to establishments along Session Road and must be prioritized instead of motor vehicles.

As of Monday, Session Road and Harrison Road remain without pedestrian lanes and other road safety markings as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is still awaiting for the decision of the TTMC on how many and where these crossings will be placed.

District engineer Ireneo Gallato said they promise to place pedestrian lanes as soon as the TTMC’s advice arrives.

Baguio City Police Office Traffic Management Branch Supt. James Allan Logan has also reported a slowing down of traffic in Session and Harrison Road as pedestrians are currently crossing just about anywhere while pedestrian lanes are not designated.

Councilor Peter Fianza, who abstained in the voting, said there should be a deferment of the resolution since the report of the TTMC on the result of the experimental traffic scheme has yet to be submitted to the City Council.

Councilor Nicasio Palaganas voted against the measure.