Mandaue eyes to extend trial traffic scheme

CEBU, Philippines - The Mandaue City Council approved a resolution that seeks for the extension of the recommended traffic rerouting scheme in the city for another 90 days.

Glenn Antigua, acting chief of the Traffic Enforcement Agency of Mandaue, said there is a need to extend the scheme's implementation to make further study that will help solve traffic problems in the city.

"Gipagawsan ta nila og laing 90 days nga (traffic rerouting scheme) extension para sa tanang (kalsada)," Antigua said. The extension will be implemented anytime soon.

Once again, Antigua said there is no problem with the alternate routes for vehicles despite the "narrow roads" in the city. He noted the improvement on the flow of traffic after the rerouting scheme was implemented.

Antigua cited the flow of traffic along S.B. Cabahug Street corner P.J. Burgos Street which eased because of the trial. Traffic also improved in areas with one-way traffic despite the parades and processions conducted, he added.

However, TEAM said because of the improved movement of vehicles in the roads of the city, pedestrians complained that vehicles travel too fast, thus posing danger to them.

Antigua said they are proposing to the city to put up bike lanes that will help slow down moving vehicles. This as motor vehicles will be forced to control their speed because of the presence of bikers and pedestrians using the proposed bike lanes.

Antigua also said the proposed bike lanes will be implemented in December this year.

Aside from the traffic rerouting scheme, the city will also install more traffic lights and closed-circuit television cameras in 12 intersections.

Antigua said the additional equipment and traffic rerouting scheme are expected to help decongest city streets.

After the 90-day extension of the rerouting scheme, TEAM will submit its report and recommendations for the "most effective traffic system" suitable for Mandaue.

The City Council first approved the resolution authorizing TEAM to conduct a traffic study and implement a rerouting scheme for a period of 60 days in July this year. — Jave A. Matugas (FREEMAN)