THE Lapu-Lapu City traffic chief is not satisfied with the result of the experimental rerouting scheme implemented from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. last Saturday.
City Traffic Management System (CTMS) Chief Frank Brazil is proposing another rerouting schedule for approval by Mayor Paz Radaza.
He stressed that traffic rerouting is not enough to solve traffic woes.
Last Saturday, motorists coming from the market going to Mandaue City, Mepz 1 and the airport passed through Sangi-Pajo Rd., then turned left MVP Ave.
While those coming from Mandaue City and going to Lapu-lapu City (via first Mactan Bridge) turned right to MLQ Pajo, then turned left to Urban Rd., then turned left again to Sangi Pajo Rd. toward the Sangi Junction.
Motorists coming from Sangi, Seawage Motumbo Rd. going to the Lapu-lapu public market and Basak were made to turn left to Sangi Junction and then proceed to Humay-Humay junction, and then to the one-way traffic on Sangi Pajo Rd. in going to MVP. Ave.
Around early morning until 11-12 p.m., traffic in Lapu-lapu City was manageable, observed CTMS Chief Frank Brazil.
“In the morning, we had good feedback from the calls, saying it was effective, but at almost 3 p.m., vehicle volume started to build up. That was when we had a problem,” Brazil said.
Brazil expressed his frustration regarding the callers who ranted rudely, making them feel that they are not responding well to the traffic problem.
Based on their observations, opening an access road from Basak straight to the bridge caused a traffic congestion in Saturday’s rerouting.
The accident that happened also Saturday afternoon at the foot of the Marcelo B. Ferman Bridge, unfortunately, disrupted the first experimental rerouting.
Three people were injured when a 10-wheeler truck rammed four taxis, two tricycles and a motorcycle when its brakes malfunctioned.
The incident contributed to the traffic, especially that clearing was also delayed.
Lapu-Lapu also has to prepare for the worst once the construction of the third bridge connecting Cordova to Cebu will start.
“Usa pud na na maka-contribute especially if the filling materials would have to be transported by land, but if by barge ra then wala ra kaayo problema (there won’t be any problem),” Brazil said.
Just like in Mandaue, Lapu-lapu City will soon be operating digital traffic lights.
This year, CCTV cameras have been installed in different areas in Lapu-Lapu City, but Brazil thinks that this implementation may be effective for controlling traffic situations, depending on the areas.
“We still have to build a control center. Magdipende pud ta sa lugar og sa iyang traffic situations kung patasan ba nimo ang oras dihang dapita or i-lessen nimo. Magdipende ra jud sa lugar (It depends on the area and its traffic situation to either raise or lower the time),” Brazil added.
Lapu-Lapu traffic returned to normal yesterday as Chief of CTMS Frank Brazil and his team will design another traffic re-routing plan.(Josette Marie G. Rafaeles, USJR Intern)