PGMA inaugurates P87M structure: Banilad flyover opens to public

CEBU - The long wait for traffic to be decongested is over for motorists passing the Banilad area. After eight months of horrendous traffic brought about by the construction of the P87 million-flyover the structure was inaugurated by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo yesterday and officially opened it to the public.

Not even the heavy rain could stop the inaugural rites for the structure now officially called the Governor Cuenco flyover.

Cebu City North district Rep. Raul del Mar, who worked hard to get the funding for the construction of the flyover, briefed the President about the project, which according to him it would spur growth for businesses in the city.

The flyover, which has been completed way ahead of its target date of completion, would benefit more than 150,000 residents in the 15 barangays in the North district as well as other residents in the city and province.

“We would like to thank the motorists for bearing with us during the construction. We are thanking for their patience and understanding,” del Mar told The FREEMAN.

Del Mar also thanked the President for her support in the construction of the flyover, which is located at the junction of Gov. Cuenco Avenue at the junction of A.S. Fortuna St.

The President on the other hand was grateful about the completion of the project and showed her glee as she beamed while waving to the urban poor and women’s groups at the foot of the structure.

Del Mar however said that the road widening works at both sides of the flyover is still going on.

Cebu City Councilor Sylvan “Jack” Jakosalem, who is the chairman on the committee on energy, transportation, communication and other utilities at the City Council said that both sides of the flyover are two lanes, that would really help decongest traffic in the said area once it will be finished.

Del Mar added that the road widening was delayed since the lot owners that were affected wanted the government to pay them in cash.

As of October 25, the project according to the Department of Public Works and Highways Project Status Report is already 85 percent complete and they are currently installing lamps, construction and painting of median curb, installation of sewer drain pipes and plastering of retaining wall.

The construction of the multi-million flyover was delayed for about three months (it was supposed to start in November of 2006 but moved to February of 2008) when businessmen pleaded as December is their peak season as well as it is Sinulog time by January.

However inspite of this, Del Mar said that the flyover that was supposed to be completed by November 26 was finished one month ahead.

“This will not solve the traffic entirely. But it will be minimized considerably. The congestion will be lessened but will not entirely be eliminated,” the Cebuano legislator said.

Del Mar explained that the Talamban-Cabancalan Road, the Canduman-Pagsabungan roads also need to be widened, but this would entail another funding.

However, in the Mandaue City’s side, the heaviest traffic congestion in the north is expected to ease out as Arroyo in her earlier visit to the city had given instruction to the officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways for the publication of the bidding process of the bridge that will connect barangays Canduman and Cabancalan.

The said bridge would decongest heavy traffic along H. Abellana St. that connects Cebu City to the northern municipalities via Mandaue City. — /NLQ (THE FREEMAN)