CCTO readies for traffic at NRA

CEBU, Philippines - Police and traffic personnel will be beefed up at the North Reclamation Area tomorrow because of the opening of another giant mall.

Cebu City Police Office director Senior Superintendent Marciano Batiancela Jr. said at least 30 police personnel were assigned to secure the Robinsons Galeria-Cebu after the mall management asked for police augmentation as it formally opens to the public on Thursday.

Lawyer Rey Gealon, executive director of the Cebu City Transportation Office, also said more than 100 traffic signages have been installed to guide motorists.

 Gealon has advised public and private motorists to follow street signs and use the designated parking and stopping areas to prevent traffic buildup.

Gealon said the management also requested for more traffic personnel at the vicinity of the mall to direct the traffic.

“This is one of the actions CCTO has taken in anticipation of the December 10, 2015 opening of Robinsons Galleria Cebu… we can now strictly enforce traffic order by lessening road obstruction in these areas in order to facilitate smooth flow of vehicles, especially so that we are expecting more vehicles plying around the roads of Robinsons Galleria Cebu and adjoining roads,” Gealon said.

CCTO operations division head Jonathan Tumulak said it is now all systems go for them.

“We are one hundred (100) percent ready for the opening of Robinsons… we are expecting moderate traffic but our office is ready since we will be deploying 30 to 40 personnel to man (the) traffic while we have identified choke points at the entrance of General Maxilom Avenue and exit of S. Osmeña Avenue,” said Tumulak.

At least 19 security guards of the shopping mall who had just finished their traffic management control training will be deployed to assist CCTO personnel in controlling the vehicle traffic near the mall premises.

CCTO has designated pedestrian lanes, parking and stopping areas as well as the entrance and exit for mall goers.]

The designated pedestrian lanes will be at the intersections of General Maxilom Ave. and J. de Veyra; and General Maxilom Ave. and S. Osmeña Avenue.

“For commuters and private motorists, entrance will be on General Maxilom Avenue while the exit point is at Sergio Osmeña Avenue. Strictly no parking, no stopping along General Maxilom and S. Osmeña Avenues. Tanan sakyanan adto mosulod sa mall ug adto manaug tanan pasahero or mosakay,” Tumulak said.

The mall management is providing free shuttle service for mallgoers from Fuente Osmeña and Pier area going to the mall. — (FREEMAN)