Wharf road work seen to worsen Mandaue traffic

THE ongoing P18-million improvement project along MC Briones St., barangay Basak in Mandaue City is causing traffic congestion among motorists heading to Cebu City.

Mandaue City officials voiced concern that the Cebu-North Hagnaya Wharf road project scheduled for completion in February next year will only worsen the flow of traffic during next month’s Christmas rush.

The ongoing project allots only one lane for motorists and commuters from northern Cebu along barangay Basak heading to Cebu City proper.

Engr. Myrna dela Cerna of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said they are trying their best to resolve the congestion after receiving complaints from motorists and commuters since they started the project last July.

The old 24-inch circumference culverts were replaced with 60-inch circumference culverts to prevent flooding in the area. Dela Cerna is asking the public for patience and understanding.

She said she proposed to the contractor, B and R Construction, to work on the project 24 hours a day but they refused, saying their work may be compromised if they let their men work at night.

Dela Cerna said they will discuss with the Traffic Enforcement Agency in Mandaue (Team) to find ways to reduce traffic congestion during the holidays. Reporter Jucell Marie P. Cuyos