Traffic study done, flyover road widening under way

A TRAFFIC volume study was already completed and preparations are under way for the road widening of   MJ Cuenco and Gorordo Avenue, where two flyovers are proposed, said the Department of Public Works and Highways in Central Visayas (DPWH-7).

Marie Nellama, DPWH- 7 spokesperson, said traffic management personnel from Manila conducted a 16-hour traffic volume count, intersection analysis and cost benefit ratio for the projects.

“We are confident that a comprehensive traffic study will come up. Our Manila office also talked with the lot owners who will be affected by the road widening,” Nellama told Cebu Daily News.

She said  the study was completed   last Dec. 1, two days after Rep. Rachel del Mar  and Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama met with President Benigno Aquino on the flyover dispute.

Both flyovers  were suspended last September following an outcry from the mayor and civil society groups that included  heritage advocates, traffic managers, urban planners and Asilo dela Milagrosa nuns.

President Aquino ordered the DPWH to complete a traffic study of both sites by December to help decide whether the projects, both already bidded out at a combined cost of P600 million, will proceed next year.

Nellama said Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson gave them until Dec.  15 to submit the report.

She said their central office is spearheading the traffic study while they just assisted in providing the equipment for the traffic study.

Nellama said it would be their central office which  will provide copies to stakeholders, including those who oppose the project.

She said they are negotiating with  lot owners who will be affected with the road widening in Gorordo and MJ Cuenco.

In their Nov. 28 meeting, Aquino ordered the DPWH-7 to push through with the road widening, while the flyovers are still held in abeyance.

The road widening  is considered  Phase 1 of the flyover projects.

Nellama said their office is still identifying the lot owners to be affected by the road widening, so they can estimate the cost for the right of way. Reporter Candeze R. Mongaya