CITY OF SAN FERNANDO - Mayor Edwin Santiago ordered the City of San Fernando’s Traffic Management Department to study a business group’s proposal to make Jose Abad Santos Avenue (Jasa) “hazard free.”
The Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (PamCham) submitted the proposal to Santiago and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), calling for the removal of the ‘dog ears’ along the major avenue, the creation of ‘J-Ramps’ in lieu of U-turn slots, and the construction of a rotunda under the Dolores Flyover.
“I have had initial discussions with our consultants doing the World Bank funded traffic management scheme for San Fernando on PamCham’s proposal,” he said.
“I have coordinated with the DPWH for a separate study regarding its feasibility and options of any. This is a priority since it concerns the safety of motorists plying the Jasa as it is also within our jurisdiction,” he added.
Santiago said he was in favor of the chamber’s proposal, which could be included in the ongoing traffic management planning of the city.
PamCham also asked the mayor to remove “misplaced” concrete barriers along MacArthur Highway, particularly those in the jurisdiction of the city.
PamCham earlier noted that the “dog ears” resulted in the sudden sharp swerving of cars to the right, which can catch unaware some approaching drivers from behind and potentially cause unwarranted collisions.
“In their place, may we suggest the provision of ‘J-Ramps’ or an exclusive single U-Turning lane bordered by an elevated gutter, which will also avert the congestion of cars, jeepneys, trucks and buses, at times occupying several lanes, obstructing traffic flow and compromising the safety of motorists,” PamCham vice-chairman Rene Romero said in the proposal.
For buses and trucks that require a wider maneuvering area, Romero said that the business chamber suggests that the rotonda in front of the Hilaga (Paskuhan Village) and the intersection under the Dolores steel flyover can be used.
“We greatly appreciate our officials’ favorable attention to our proposal, much that we acknowledge the laudable modernization and improvement of our road infrastructures, which is indicative of the continuing growth of the City and the province,” Romero said.