As repairs begin next week: Expect heavy traffic at Tabunok flyover

CEBU, Philippines - Brace for heavier traffic in the south starting next weekend with the planned month-long rehabilitation of the Tabunok flyover in Talisay City.

Almond Dela Peña, head of the City of Talisay Traffic Operations Development Authority (CT-TODA), has lobbied for the flyover's closure to pave way for the repaving and the replacement of the flyover’s expansion joints.

The flyover, a major thoroughfare, would be closed for 48 days starting March 18 until May 5, 2017 from 8:00 in the evening to 4:00 in the morning.

"I-whole day na nato kay delikado. Para usab ma-prevent og disgrasya kay kung paagian naa pa unya'y nahibilin nga mga boulders, ato sad nga gitan-aw ang safety sa motorist," he said.

Aside from the flyover, a portion of the Natalio Bacalso Avenue near its approaches would also be closed.

Dela Peña told the public and motorists to expect inconvenience when heading south from Cebu City and vice versa.

He said DPWH should clear the underpass from ambulant vendors so as not to further create bottlenecks.

He also advised motorists passing through the affected areas to plan their trips and take alternate routes.

Dela Peña said public utility vehicles from Cebu City going to southern part of the province and vice versa can use the flyover’s underpass as an alternative route.

Another option, he said, is for motorists coming from southern Cebu to use the South Coastal Road, passing through the South Road Properties (SRP) on their way to Cebu City.

Dela Peña said he will also coordinate with the Cebu south bus operators and drivers to also use Mambaling access road at SRP as ingress point.

The CT-TODA has identified Barangay Lawaan as exit point to ease traffic congestion in Tabunok.

He asked DPWH to put up proper signage and traffic advisories along Barangay Lawaan to prevent confusion among the motorists and the riding public.

He said additional four traffic enforcers will be deployed near the flyover. There are at least six enforcers manning the Tabunok area.

He also asked other traffic enforcers to avoid absences and unscheduled leaves during the whole duration of the road rehabilitation project.

The cost of the repair and rehabilitation of the flyover is around P8 million, Dela Peña said.

Built in 1992, the 249-linear meter Tabunok flyover is the first flyover in Cebu. (FREEMAN)