Tuesday, February 26, 2008 Public works office asked to turn over flyovers
BELIEVING that the City Government could better monitor traffic flow and the structural soundness of the city's two flyovers, Vice Mayor Daniel Fariñas said the administration of these flyovers should be turned over to the City Government.
The Magsaysay and the recently opened BGH flyover and Magsaysay structure are still under the administration of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
But Fariñas said "it would best serve the welfare of all motorists, if the DPWH would turn over the administration and regulation to the Baguio City Government for the reason that regulation of traffic originating from these flyovers must be in coordination with local traffic regulations."
Comparing the DPWH and the Traffic Management Branch (TMB) of the Baguio City Police Office (BCPO), Fariñas said the TMB could conduct regular traffic monitoring, enforce traffic rules and even beautify these structures.
The proposal to turn over the administration, however, is without prejudice to the DPWH should the agency plan to conduct periodic inspection, maintenance, repair and other civil works.
Also pending before the City Council is a proposal asking the DPWH to construct additional flyovers here, as a means to unclog streets of the heavy volume of vehicles. (RO)
