Cebuanos told: Brace for traffic like an endurance test on Sunday

CEBU CITY -- As three cities close parts of major roads and the two Mactan-Cebu bridges for the Ironman on Sunday, adjust your travel plans or get ready to bear with traffic.

Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza met with barangay officials and department heads on Wednesday to finalize preparations for the triathlon on Sunday.

Oscar Tabada of the weather bureau, meanwhile, said athletes can expect good weather during the Cobra Ironman 70.3 Philippines, with Typhoon Gener leaving the country by Friday.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), Cebu will have cloudy skies with sunny intervals on Sunday.

In Wednesday’s meeting, Senior Superintendent Rey Lyndon Lawas, acting chief of the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office, said 1,406 police officers, military personnel and cadets of the Reserved Officers Training Corps will be deployed along the race route.

Dr. Rodolfo Berame of the City Health Office said six ambulances will be on standby during the event. Medical stations will also be put up along the route.

Mayor Radaza advised those who have flights on Sunday to heed traffic advisories to avoid delays.

The first Mactan Bridge will be closed from 5 a.m. until noon on Sunday, while the right lane of Marcelo B. Fernan Bridge leading to Mandaue City will be open to two-way traffic through the viaduct.

All side roads leading to the main highway will be closed during the event.

The City Traffic Management System (CTMS) advised those going to or coming from the airport to take the Sangi-Matumbo road.

The road from Barangay Punta Engaño to Goldberry Hotel in Barangay Pusok will be closed on Sunday from 5 a.m. until noon, except the Punta Engaño side of road up to Amisa Condominium, which will be reopened at 3:30 p.m.

The CTMS advised commuters to walk to Angasil Access Road for their ride. Motorists may take the Mactan-Marigondon Basak Road.

A portion of M.L. Quezon from the old Mactan Bridge to Marcelo B. Fernan Bridge will be closed to traffic from 7 a.m. on Sunday to 2 a.m. on Monday for the Race Dance.

The triathlon, which has drawn 1,700 local and foreign athletes, will start with a 1.9-kilometer swim course in front of the Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa at 6:15 a.m.

It will be followed by a 90-kilometer bike course to Talisay City, passing through the Marcelo Fernan Bridge, Cebu International Convention Center, Plaza Independencia and South Road Properties.

The last part will be a 21-kilometer run course back to the resort.

In Mandaue City, traffic enforcers will close the bicycle race route at 4 a.m. A portion of the U.N. Ave., Plaridel St., A. Soriano Ave. and Ouano Ave. will be closed until 12:30 p.m.

More than 7,000 students will be deployed along the race route to control the crowd.

In Lapu-Lapu City, more than 20,000 students will be fielded along the race route to cheer the athletes.

Mayor Radaza has ordered the City Veterinarian’s Office to keep away dogs and other animals during the race to avoid accidents.

Last Friday, Radaza led a dry run for the display of 65 vintas or native sailboats in the Hilutungan Channel and the cheerers along the road.

There will be a contest for the most beautiful vinta. Different barangays will display their vintas along the coast of the Movenpick Resort, Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa and Portofino Beach Resort.

The vintas will serve as a backdrop during the swimming part of the triathlon. The City will also hold a jellyfish-catching contest along the swim course. (RSB/Sun.Star Cebu)