Osmeña Boulevard to be closed tomorrow for pilgrim walk

CEBU, Philippines — Heavy traffic is expected along Osmeña Boulevard in Cebu City and its nearby roads, as about 15,000 participants of the National Youth Day will join the pilgrim walk from Capitol Grounds to Cebu City Sports Center tomorrow.

Cebu City Transportation Office Operations Chief Francisco Ouano said the whole boulevard from Capitol grounds to Abellana National School will be closed to vehicular traffic at 2 p.m.

“Vehicular traffic will be re-routed temporarily on the affected streets on the half-closure of Osmeña Blvd. for the Procession/Pilgrim Walk on the celebration of the “National Youth Day.” From Capitol Grounds to Cebu City Sports Complex (center) on Saturday, April 27, 2019 at 2:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. or until the activity is finished,” read a portion of the traffic advisory.

Ouano said there will be 150 traffic enforcers that will be deployed along the boulevard and nearby roads to assist the motorists and commuters.

If people do not have business in the area, he advised the public to avoid going there as it would add up to the volume of people and vehicles.

“Atong gi-preparahan na para sa karong Sabado. Naa gihapon tay road closure 2 p.m. unya mag-agad ta sa gidaghanon sa mga mosalmot usa nato ablihan og balik,” he told The FREEMAN.

Ouano said the public utility jeepneys that used to ply Osmeña Boulevard will temporarily be rerouted to Gorordo Avenue and V. Rama Avenue and other nearby roads to pave way for the pilgrim walk.

For jeepneys coming from Banawa and Guadalupe, they will take V. Rama Ave., turn left to J. Alcantara St. or at N. Bacalso Ave. (except 06A and 07A), right turn to Leon Kilat St., left turn to Colon St., to their usual route, then to Carbon area.

As for jeepneys from Lahug, Apas and Ayala passing along N. Escario St., they shall follow N. Escario St., left turn to Juana Osmeña St., right turn to Gen. Maxilom Ave., left turn to F. Ramos St., right turn to Junquera St., to their usual route, then to their point of destination.

As for the 12L jeepney route, they will take N. Bacalso Ave., proceed to P. del Rosario St., left turn to Osmeña Blvd., to Fuente Rotunda, right turn to Gen. Maxilom Ave., to their usual route, then to their point of destination.

Ouano said the office will clamp vehicles that are illegally parked along the streets.

Owners of the clamped and towed vehicles will have to pay P1,500 for the clamping fee and for illegally parking along the street.

To avoid violating the ordinance, Ouano said motorists, drivers and other road users are advised to observe and follow the traffic signs and laws. — GAN (FREEMAN)