ASEAN preparations to affect NRA traffic

Traffic is expected to be affected in the North Reclamation Area where beautification and improvement projects are being implemented as the city gears up to host the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit this December.

The first phase of the project, from October 5 until November 4, 2006, will see the rehabilitation of drainage and concreting of roads around the North Reclamation Area by the city government together with SM City Cebu. Affected roads will be Andres Soriano St., Kaoshiung St. and F. Urot St. (leading to Makro).

Half of these roads will be closed. However normal two-way traffic will be maintained on the other half of the road for private vehicles.

Customers of SM City Cebu and surrounding establishments were assured of continued accessibility despite the temporary inconvenience. The management of SM City said they are closely coordinating with the City Traffic Operations Management to ensure smooth traffic management and the Office of the City Administrator and the contractors to monitor the status of the projects.

There will also be some adjustments in jeepney route 01K: Sambag II (SWU) and route 010H: Pardo (Bulacao/ St. Paul)

While traversing A. Soriano Ave., jeepneys with these route numbers will turn right towards Juan Luna Ave., turn left on S. Osmeña Ave., on to Ouano Ave., on to Cebu North Bus Terminal. From the terminal to Ouano Ave., to S. Osmeña to A. Soriano then back to point of origin.

For jeepneys with route 12E: Labangon-SM-North Bus Terminal, route 12I: Labangon-Panganiban-Colon-SM-North Bus Terminal and route 12J: Labangon-Junquera-Colon-SM-North Bus Terminal, from S. Osmeña Ave. they will go straight to Ouano Ave., on to Cebu North Bus Terminal and back to their original route.

The second phase of the project will involve other lot owners in the North Reclamation Area with the help of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce.

Other related projects that will be implemented by the City in the North Reclamation Area are the installation of additional streetlights, improvements of the islands landscaping, installation of pedestrian railings and replacement of traffic signages and some traffic lights.

The master plan for the North Reclamation Area is aimed at improving the image of the area, thereby creating a safe and clean environment that would further spur more economic activity in the area. (PR)