EDITORIAL - Starting off on a new foot on a new road

One of the brightest signs of the new year for Cebuanos is the near-completion of the Cebu North Road. Officials involved with the project say it is now nearly 90 percent completed and could be inaugurated before the Sinulog.

But the project could not have moved with the pace it did had not a surprise inspection by President Arroyo early last year led to the discovery that the project hardly did not move at all.

Known for her quick temper, Arroyo scolded officials right then and there and ordered work to proceed double-time. Hence, about a year later, Cebuanos are expected to finally be rid of one of the worst traffic bottlenecks on the island.

The Cebu North Road starts from Mandaue City and moves north along the coastal areas of Consolacion until it emerges and merges with the national highway in Liloan. So, the new road not only decongests the main highway from Mandaue to Liloan, it also considerably cuts travel time.

The new road will also spur development along its path. In fact, wise developers have started projects long before, when the road was still on the drawing boards, anticipating to make a killing once it opens and draws real estate prices skyward.

The road also shortens travel time from the north to the airport in Mactan and vice versa. It also strengthens the road links between the metropolitan area and the cities in the north, Danao and Bogo.

Since hope is always associated with the new year, the new road, which will soon be opened to the public, should augur well for the nurturing of hope that things will be better for most of us this year.

Opening a road at the beginning of the year is a positive sign for Cebuanos and they should take it with a great deal of initiative in starting new things and changing those that need change for the better.