THE Davao City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) is gearing up for an experimental traffic scheme to accommodate the ongoing flyover construction at the intersection of C.P. Garcia Highway, Maa Road, and Candelaria Street.
During the ISpeak Media Forum on Thursday morning, September 21, at the City Mayor's Office, CTTMO head Dionisio Abude revealed that the agency is currently preparing for the scheme's implementation.
Abude acknowledged the potential traffic congestion in the construction area and highlighted that several road changes will be made to alleviate the situation. Specifically, the current three lanes in both directions will be reduced to just one lane. As a result, the agency is taking steps to address the expected traffic congestion in the area.
One key reason for traffic congestion is the left turn leading to Magtuod Road. Instead of using this route, riders are advised to opt for Langub Road.
“Ang mahitabo diha kung gikan ka sa Magtuod going ka sa North is mudiretso ka sa Maa pag abot nimo sa Maa pwede naka mu-left turn didto sa City Jail road or katung sa Gem Village o katung gitawag natu na Eden all the way to the atong bypass then pwede naka mu-right turn didto (If you're coming from Magtuod and heading North, proceed to Maa. When you reach Maa, you can make a left turn onto City Jail Road or Gem Village, or continue all the way to the bypass road and make a right turn there),” Abude said.
Additionally, those traveling from Maa to Magtuod can follow the same route used by riders going in the opposite direction. This slightly longer route will help prevent worsening congestion at the construction site.
Traffic advisories will be posted in Ulas and Langub. Motorists from the southern part of the city are encouraged to make a left turn from Langub to Magtuod to avoid adding to the construction site's traffic. Another alternative route is available for those who don't reach C.P. Garcia- Bangkal. They can proceed to McArthur Highway, make a left turn to Maa, and continue to Magtuod.
Motorists heading to the northern part of the city and wanting to make a left turn in Maa before reaching the C.P. Garcia bypass road, traffic advisories will direct them to the bypass road, City Jail, and Gem Village.
According to CTTMO observations, the traffic buildup in Maa has decreased.
For Angliongto Street, those coming from Diversion Road will no longer be able to make a left turn onto K. Ramos Street leading to Lanang. Instead, they will make a left turn onto Diamond Street, which is further away, to ease congestion due to drainage and road widening projects in progress.
Candelaria Street, near the terminal, has four segments. Buses departing from the terminal will use Gate 2, while those leaving will use Gate 5 and proceed to Quimpo Boulevard. Once the other segment is complete, they may use Gate 1 but will need to make a right turn at Candelaria and another right turn at Maa before exiting at Quimpo. Immediate right turns onto Quimpo at the intersection will not be allowed.
CTTMO plans to submit the experimental route plan to the City Transport and Traffic Management Board (CTTMB) for approval during the scheduled meeting on September 26 or 29. While construction projects are ongoing, CTTMO will enforce traffic schemes to alleviate congestion at the construction site. RGP