Brace for heavy traffic

CEBU, Philippines — The Traffic Enforcement Agency of Mandaue (TEAM) has advised motorists to expect traffic congestion due to upcoming road rehabilitation works by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), which will begin either this month or next.

The project will affect the southbound lane of DM Cortes Avenue in Barangay Paknaan.

In anticipation of the congestion, TEAM Head Hyll Retuya told reporters that diversion routes have been prepared for both trucks and light vehicles that pass through the area.

Retuya explained that the portion of the road that will undergo rehabilitation is the bridge in the area that does not align properly.

Kana nga stretch ilaha ng isira and i-elevate and itupong ang bridge sa DPWH,  Retuya said.

 We should expect heavy traffic in that area,  he added.

He noted that the area that will be rehabilitated is quite extensive. However, the DPWH has not yet disclosed how long the project will take to complete.

 But they assured nga ilahang dalion,  said Retuya.

Upon inspection, Retuya estimated that the project will take several months to finish.

 So mao na kami sad sa TEAM we are preparing pod ana,  he assured.

Retuya said that they have been inspecting possible diversion roads that can be opened to the public. Since the southbound lane will be closed to allow for the elevation of the bridge, only the northbound lane of the bridge will remain open.

TEAM has planned to convert the northbound lane into a two-way lane to accommodate both northbound and southbound traffic.

However, Retuya said that the two-way setup will primarily cater to trucks, as DM Cortes Avenue serves as a truck corridor in the city.

Meanwhile, light vehicles will be redirected to alternative routes.

For northbound light vehicles, Retuya explained that the proposed alternate route will have vehicles turn right at the UN Avenue intersection and pass under the Marcelo Fernan Bridge or the Pajara Park.

From there, they will make another right turn into the road in front of a construction supply depot near the area, or at the Dumpsite Road, which leads through the 6.5 Zone and exits near the base of the Cansaga Bridge.

For southbound light vehicles, they will be directed to make a right turn at an intersection in Paknaan, then exit near a hardware store along MC Briones Street.

 That s the plan once DPWH begins the project, which could start any time soon,  said Retuya.

Retuya said that this is the planned traffic flow, as they expect congestion in the coming days.