MOTORISTS that will pass through a depressed part of N. Bacalso Ave. when heading to Cebu City are reminded that the northbound lane is now open again to vehicular traffic.

The southbound lane was previously used as a temporary access road for northbound motorists, but because the area needs to undergo road concreting works, it has to be closed until the end of the month.

But despite this, Cebu City Transportation Office operations head Francisco Ouano stressed that there will be no changes in the existing routes, especially for southbound vehicles.

At least 20 traffic enforcers were also deployed to direct traffic in the surrounding areas of the depressed portion where the construction of an underpass project is ongoing.

He also asked motorists and commuters to be more patient as the side roads of both lanes are expected to reopen before December.

“Og mahimo, musayo lang sad sila og gikan (If possible, people should leave their homes early),” said Ouano. “Walay taw nga ganahan og traffic, but at the end of the day, kita gihapon tanan malipay. Gamay nalang gyud antuson, mahuman na ang underpass (No person wants heavy traffic, but at the end of the day, we will be happy. Just a little bit more sacrifice, the underpass will soon be finished).”

The underpass project, which started in August last year, is now 80 percent complete. It is expected to be finished by March 2019.

At present, the contractor is implementing phase 4, which includes boring, concreting and the construction of the retaining walls.

Once this is finished, they will proceed to phases 5 and 6, which will cover the excavation, boring and concreting of the underpass’ lanes on both sides. RTF