Rama okay with SRP underpasses

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama has no objection to the proposed underpasses in the South Road Properties.

The underpasses were proposed by his predecessor-turned-critic South District Rep. Tomas Osmeña.

It is among the projects budgeted by the Department of Public Works and Highways for next year and is expected to cost some P160 million.

Rama said that the underpasses will make a good project as long as there will be a widening at each end of the underpass.

“Kinahanglan man gyud na mag-widen otherwise traffic lang gihapon sa unahan,” Rama said.

The proposed underpasses will be constructed at both ends of the south coastal road.

Osmeña, in a recent news conference, said that it will be built so those coming from the Mambaling access road heading to City Hall will not be allowed to cut the traffic by turning left.

The original coastal road will then be made an express lane or as a solid lane where vehicles passing will not be interrupted by turns. Osmeña said it will make SRP safer.

Osmeña said that it will be an additional two and a half kilometers of travel distance for motorists but with the same or even less travel time.

The Cebu City Development Council has endorsed the project but required the DPWH to submit the project’s plan. Osmeña said he is willing to present it himself.

Meanwhile, Rama assured the project committee of the Bus Rapid Transit Project that the project will not be affected by the political tension in Cebu City.

Rama said that he supports the BRT project because he believes that it will bring many benefits to the city.

“I have seen the effectiveness of the BRT. We were there at the starting point,” Rama said.

Earlier, World Bank Consultant Collin Brader expressed relief that politics will not get in the way of the project now that the feasibility study is about to be finished by August.

The project team is doing its best to reach out to all stakeholders for consultations to obtain social acceptance.  (FREEMAN)