Citom looks into speeding, tunnel signage

THE multiple-vehicle crash that claimed the life of a truck driver in the SRP tunnel is a main topic in today’s regular board meeting of the Cebu City Traffic Operation Management (Citom).

Citom chairman Sylvan Jakosalem said they have to address the lack of  signals or markings in the tunnel to alert drivers of the sharp curve and downhill slope as they enter.

“We will coordinate with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and probably ask them to put early warning signs there,” said Jakosalem.

Since the tunnel was a national government project, the DPWH was in charge, he said.

“It is their project and we can only suggest what they could do just like what we did in the Mambaling flyover when Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama asked for markings to warn drivers about a  dangerous part of the flyover where it has a sharp right turn going south,” he said.

Jakosalem said he believes that if the driver had been forewarned, he could have slowed down towards the bend.

He was aware of witness reports that the driver was traveling beyond the  60 kph limit.

Jakosalem who has been pressing for the use of speed guns that highway patrols abroad use to detect fast-moving vehicles said the Cebu City Council approved the purchase of five units—two for the SRP and three for other priority areas. /correspondent Edison A. Delos Angeles