Cebu City gets 'high-tech' traffic light system after 30 years

CEBU, Philippines — Noticed the new traffic lights with timers on some of Cebu City’s intersections?

The new structures are part of the installation of high-tech traffic light systems in Cebu City, the first phase of which is expected to be completed next month.

This marks the first time in 30 years that Cebu City is replacing its old, existing traffic light system with a modern one.

Phase 1 includes 18 intersections to be installed with a fully-digitalized system, including a pedestrian lane.

Right now, it is 60% complete, said Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) officer-in-charge Lyntoni Sable in an interview via Mu gstoria Ta with Asec. Jonji Gonzales, along with the City Disaster team head, Ramil Ayuman.

The areas that already have the new traffic light system include P. Del Rosario Street to N. Bacalso Avenue and the one near SM City-Cebu at the North Reclamation area.

Ayuman said that this traffic light system is made from fiber optics and has a digital timer and a high-definition camera.

It may not exactly solve the entire traffic problem in the city, but Sable said this is expected to cut down the number of accidents, especially those that involve beating the red light.

Sable said the flow of traffic will also depend on the bulk of vehicles, but it will “definitely cut down the traffic-related accidents.”

“Ma-limitted atong aksidente.ang caution makita nato, kung pila na ka minuto atong ipadagan. Naa na siyay warning,” said Sable.

He said it also helps in the aspect of security, especially if there are no enforcers around, thanks to the high-definition cameras.

CCTO hopes to complete the installation in all major intersections in the city in the next six months, after the completion of the first phase. — KQD (FREEMAN)