APEC traffic plan laid out

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Integrated Traffic Operations Management (CITOM) has laid out a traffic management plan for the 2015 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings, which will be held in Cebu from August 22 to September 15.  

CITOM said the corridor of Juan Luna Avenue, Salinas Drive and Veterans Drive are considered “key roads” to host the meetings successfully.

The traffic management policy and planning will, therefore, focus on the smooth flow of vehicles from Radisson Bluat the North Reclamation Area all the way to Marco Polo Hotel in Barangay Apas.

Exclusive lanes are, however, not considered because these will reportedly have negative social and public relations impacts. Likewise, the roads are not wide enough to open exclusive lanes.

The traffic management plan has seven components – traffic signals, traffic personnel detail, parking management, clearing operations, radio communications coordination, an I.T. Park intersection management plan, and a PUJ rerouting plan.

1. Traffic signals– traffic signals at the intersection can be overridden remotely should there be a need to prioritize a particular leg of the corridor for the delegates. Contingency plan is to have signals personnel on site to override as requested by traffic personnel.

2. Traffic Personnel detail– CITOM said that a smooth flow of traffic can be managed by ensuring all the major intersections are manned by CITOM and police personnel.These personnel will be equipped with radios to ensure communication with headquarters. Roving personnel will also troubleshoot the corridor and support foot personnel.

CITOM and police personnel will be augmented by barangay tanods from the barangays in the vicinity to serve as force multipliers. The following barangays will be tapped: Mabolo, Apas, Lahug, Kasambagan, Carreta, Luz, Busay, Kamputhaw.

CITOM personnel detail is already finalized while coordination with barangay tanods is being scheduled with the Association of Barangay Captains.

3. Parking management–no parking on the road right of way of the corridor and linking roads will be strictly enforced by use of tow trucks.CITOM said that clamps and tow truck prepared to enforce the plan as negotiation for additional tow truck rental is ongoing.

4. Clearing operations – clearing operations shall be conducted along the corridor to ensure there are no obstructions along the sidewalk and roadway.In addition, parallel access roads shall also be cleared in order to provide satisfactory access road to motorists who will be rerouted as a result of the plan.CITOM said that this is now complete as clearing operations coordinated with City’s clearing team PROBE.

5. Radio communications coordination – all communications from CITOM will be monitored from the City Command Center. Coordination with other divisions of the PNP shall be conducted thru there.This is now complete as the City Command Center is currently performing this function.

6. I.T. Park intersection management plan – the intersection of I.T. Park and Waterfront Hotel is identified as a bottleneck area, not only due to the regular crossing of vehicles but also the designation of the Waterfront as a meeting venue. As such, all private vehicles coming from Mabolo will be directed to turn right into del Mar Street in to I.T. Park and shall exit at GeonzonSt. The thorough movement will be allowed only for delegates to the APEC meetings.

The intersection will be manned by CITOM and police personnel.

During the period of rerouting, the railings limiting the turning movement from Waterfront shall be temporarily set aside.

7. PUJ Rerouting Plan – in order to ensure the smooth flow of traffic in the corridor, no PUJs will be allowed to traverse along Juan Luna Avenue from SergingOsmeña Avenue to Archbishop Reyes Avenue. Rerouting will be implemented from 6 a.m. to 9a.m. and from 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. — (FREEMAN)