AMID absence of skywalk, pedestrian lanes: No jaywalking fines along Osmeña Blvd for now

CEBU, Philippines — Pending the installation of pedestrian lanes and traffic lights, the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) will not be slapping fines or apprehending jaywalkers along the stretch of Osmeña Boulevard where the first of two skywalks was recently removed.

However, Racquel Arce, acting head of the CTTO, in an interview yesterday, reminded the public to be cautious in crossing for everyone’s safety.

At the same time, Arce said at least ten traffic enforcers, alongside the jaywalking personnel, have been deployed in the area to be of assistance to pedestrians.

“Nag reinforce ta og traffic enforcers kay nakita nato nga ang pedestrian nagpatuyang nalang ug bisan asa nalang sad sila gusto nga mulabang,” said Arce.

She admitted that as early as 7 a.m. during the road reopening yesterday, confusion arose around the area when pedestrians didn’t have a particular lane to cross from.

The skywalk along Osmeña Boulevard, which is used by pedestrians to cross the usually busy road in the area, was removed last week as it will be affected by the Bus Rapid Transit project. This week, the removal and transfer of the second skywalk located in front of Cebu Normal University will take place.

Arce said the traffic personnel will be there to guide and not apprehend.

Meanwhile, Arce said a road closure for the said second skywalk removal shall be implemented from the corner of R. Landon to P. Del Rosario.

To avoid the same traffic congestion that was experienced during the civil works of the first skywalk, Arce said they will only implement the total road closure during the actual removal of the slabs.

“Kay katu gu’ng sa Fuente, nasayo ang pag sira ato, wala ma schedule tungod kay nakita nato nga nagtangtang pa lang sa mga railings, exposed na ang mga cracks,” said Arce.

She added that despite not having been scheduled ahead of time, they had immediately implemented the road closure to ensure the safety of the riding public.

For the second skywalk, Arce said they are more prepared since the civil works have already begun with the removal of railings Monday night. She added they will be installing a traffic advisory.

“Kay katong sa pirmiro wala to mataod (traffic advisory) kay di pa lagi mao ang schedule,” said Arce.

Arce also forewarned that should they see an instance of falling debris during the civil works, they will implement road closures at any time.

She added that although the anticipated date for road closure will be this Friday, it could be earlier depending on the outcome of the civil works.

She, however, assured that the civil works will only be done in the evening.

As per CBRT’s announcement over Facebook on the removal of the Abellana-CNU skywalk roof, partial road closure along P. del Rosario Street to RR Landon stretch had been scheduled for two days starting yesterday until today at 10 pm to 4 am.

Full closure will follow from the night of Feb 21, Wednesday, up to Feb 25, Sunday, for the removal of the main span.

During this period, everyone is advised to follow the provided re-routing scheme.

Regular traffic flow had been promised to resume by Feb. 26,2024.

However, as per CCTO, a portion of Osmeña Boulevard from corner R. Landon until the corner P. del Rosario Street will be temporarily closed for 15 days. This will be from February 21 to March 6, 2024.

From Fuente Osmeña going to downtown (Colon and Carbon), vehicles from Osmeña Boulevard have to turn left to R. Landon St. and then turn right to Junquera Street then proceed to Colon Street.

For vehicles from N. Bacalso Avenue and Osmeña boulevard (Downtown) going uptown (Capitol and Guadalupe), from N. Bacalso Avenue or Osmeña boulevard, one has to proceed to P. del Rosario Street then turn left to P.Cui and R. Landon Streets before proceeding to Osmeña boulevard.

For vehicles from N. Bacalso Avenue and Osmena boulevard (Downtown) going to North (Lahug & IT Park), from N. Bacalso Avenue ot Osmena boulevard, they are to proceed to P. del Rosario Street then turn left to D. Jakosalem Street and proceed to General Maxilom avenue.

"This temporary road closure is aimed at ensuring safety of all motorists and pedestrians. Your consideration and understanding are highly appreciated, in line with the transportation infrastructure project of the Cebu City Government and the DOTr," read CCTO's advisory.

Everyone is also advised to check Cebu BRT’s Facebook page and that of CCTO for any changes. — (FREEMAN)