BTAO awaits approval of proposed traffic rerouting, road closures for MassKara fest

THE Bacolod Traffic Authority Office (BTAO) is still waiting for the approval of the City Council on the proposed traffic rerouting and road closures for the celebration of the MassKara Festival from October 1 to 23, 2022.

Its head Major Junji Liba said yesterday, September 26, that they were informed that the City Council will hold a special session this week to discuss their proposed traffic rerouting, among others.

Part of the proposal is to impose a road closure on Araneta-Luzuriaga Streets to Gonzaga Street; Rizal Street; San Juan Street and Gatuslao Street from 3 p.m. to 5 a.m. during the entire festivity.

BTAO also submitted its proposal for the road closure along Lacson Street, South Capitol Road and North Capitol Road on October 21 to 23 from 3 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Liba said all northbound vehicles from Lacson Street will take a left turn to Cottage Road then left turn to Gatuslao Street, right turn to North Capitol Road, another left turn to Aguinaldo Street, right turn to B.S Aquino Drive, and left turn to Lacson Street going to the point of destination.

He said all southbound vehicles from Lacson Street will take a right turn to B.S Aquino Drive then left turn to Gatuslao Street to the point of destination.

“We are hopeful that the City Council will approve our proposal on Thursday, September 29,” he added.

Liba noted that during the festival celebration, BTAO will deploy a total of 320 traffic enforcers in various areas to maintain the smooth flow of traffic.

For this year’s celebration, the festival organizer has identified six festival sites including the Bacolod Government Center, public plaza, Baywalk Area, Megaworld’s The Upper East, Panaad Park and Stadium, and Lacson Street.

The city is again celebrating MassKara Festival after two years of hiatus due to the ongoing coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.