AT least two areas in the Banilad-Talamban corridor have been identified as permanent no left turn slots, as Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama forms a traffic management body for the area.
Rama signed last Monday Executive Order 14-3, which creates the Banilad-Talamban Traffic Management Group, composed of city and barangay officials and private stakeholders.
Rama and businessman Bunny Pages co-chair the group.
In an interview yesterday, Rama said the no-left-turn policy will be implemented permanently at the University of San Carlos (USC) area in Barangay Talamban and at the vicinity of the Banilad Town Center (BTC) in Barangay Banilad.
He said the traffic management group will continue to monitor the situation on the Banilad-Talamban road. Until then, the no-left-turn and no-U-turn policy remain in effect at USC and BTC.
“Traffic situation is already improving. That’s the feedback we’re getting from motorists,” he said. “What’s important now is the widening of the road. Until then, the no-left-turn policy will continue (whole day) like at BTC and San Carlos. In other areas, it will be from 7 to 9 a.m. and from 3 to 7 p.m.”
Aside from the Banilad-Talamban corridor, which starts from Asilo dela Milagrosa church on Gorordo Ave. to Talamban proper, Rama also wants the Gorordo road widened.
Citom Executive Director Rafael Yap agreed with the mayor’s decision to prohibit motorists from turning left toward the city center coming from BTC, and turning left to BTC from Talamban.
The no left turn sign in front of USC-TC should also remain there, Yap said.
“BTC is too close to the flyover so it should remain a no left turn spot. As for USC, the roadway there is far from ideal so you will only aggravate the situation if you allow vehicles to turn left,” he told Sun.Star Cebu.
Yap sits as member of the Banilad-Talamban Traffic Management Group, with Citom Board member Wilson Go, City Engineer Jose Marie Poblete, CCPO Director Noli Romana, Roger Quibilan of the Department of Public Works and Highways and Dennis Jabonero of City Hall.
The barangay captains of Banilad, Talamban, Luz and Kasambagan and representatives of Maria Luisa Estate Park, BTC, IT Park and other barangay officials also sit as members.
Rama authorized the body to demolish, remove and confiscate structures that obstruct the sidewalks and the roads, including utility posts, vendor’s stalls, signages and commercial or household implements.
Tasks
Among other functions, he also tasked the body to coordinate with transport and traffic authorities to be able to effectively manage the traffic in Banilad and Talamban.
The body will continue to identify and assess problematic sectors in the Banilad-Talamban corridor and submit to the mayor periodic and special reports related to traffic management activities.
Citing the Local Government Code, Rama said the City has the power to regulate traffic on all streets and bridges within its territorial boundaries, “and to enact such measures that will enhance public health, safety, convenience, maintain peace and order and promote general prosperity.”
Also yesterday, Rama and other city officials inspected Gorordo Ave., Salinas Drive and Archbishop Reyes Ave. to identify obstructions on the road and the sidewalks.
Yap said the mayor wants Gorordo Ave. widened. He also wants fences, electric and utility posts and other structures encroaching on the sidewalk removed.