More traffic restrictions eyed along Escario Street

CEBU, Philippines - No left turn policy, remove permanent divisions, reduce the center island, no parking both sides, provide U-turn slot, and acquire traffic cones.

These were the things Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama wants the City Traffic Operations Management to implement on Escario Street to address the traffic congestion in the area.

Rama noticed the traffic congestion after he passed by the area yesterday.

“Naa may mga divisions nga wala nagtupong. Escario Street to Capitol dapat reduce the island. Same sa island sa Jones (Osmeña Boulevard), that will already increase the width of the road,” he said.

Rama said that he already directed CITOM executive director Rafael Yap to implement the traffic concern in the area as soon as possible.

Rama said that allowing left turn from Escario Street to Juana Osmeña and the permanent division create traffic congestion.

“We have to find a way how to get that area kay dako na gud ang dalan sa M. Velez. So, maybe, naa untay somewhere nga U-turn unta para naay loop,” he said, adding that the U-turn slot can be placed at the Capitol Parish Church.

He mentioned the traffic experiment implemented along the Gorordo Avenue wherein motorists are not allowed to turn left to Beverly Hills.

“In Gorordo Lahug, atong gi-sirad-an ang padong Beverly. Na-traffic ba? Wala kay lahos man pag-abot sa JY square pwede na motuyok. Or pwede pud didto Centcom (Central Command),” he said, adding that the island at Centcom should also be reduced so that wider road will be used for the motorists.

With the removal of permanent division along Escario, Rama directed CITOM to acquire traffic cones.

“I directed him (Yap) to buy many cones. So that if there is congestion in one lane, expand the lane and if there is no congestion, remove the cones,” Rama said, adding that more traffic signs should be put up to acquaint the motorists and the public.

“Less left turn, less obstruction and follow the loop and you will have the traffic flow,” Rama added.

Yap said that all the suggestions of Rama will be incorporated in the traffic plan for the area. Yap said that the mayor asked him to make the plan to address the traffic congestion.

“All the suggestions of mayor will be incorporated to the plan which will be presented to the CITOM board next week,” Yap said.

Meanwhile, motorists plying S. Osmeña Boulevard did not experience heavy traffic yesterday contrary to what was expected. Yap said that it was a “moving traffic” and congestion was felt in Mandaue City side.

CITOM operations chief Jonathan Tumulak said that the road closure started at 6:30 a.m.

Tumulak said that moderate traffic was felt at 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon along S. Osmeña and R. Cabahug; Logarta Street and Urot; and Kaoshiong and S. Osmeña.

He said that CITOM has identified chokepoints such as, S. Osmeña Boulevard corners F. Cabahug Street and F. Urot Street and Kaohsiung Street corner A. Soriano Avenue.

Tumulak said the clearing of the junction box in the intersections has helped them manage the traffic.  (FREEMAN)