Along UN Avenue, Mandaue: Smooth implementation of new traffic scheme

CEBU, Philippines - Since its implementation two days ago, the "no stopping zone" for private and public utility vehicles along United Nations Avenue in Mandaue City has gone smoothly. 

But Mayor Gabriel Luigi Quisumbing said they still have to address concerns by some motorists and pedestrians who have complained over the new traffic rules being implemented in the city.

"A lot to do, but encouraging," Quisumbing said, when sought for his observation after Tuesday's implementation of the no unloading and loading along UN Avenue.

Some pedestrians and motorists complained, saying they were not aware of the new traffic rules.

"Before unta mo nanakop ani, nag-dry run unta mo og unsa ka epektibo kani nga paagiha. Maayo man mo kay wala mo nagpuyo duol ani nga karsadaha, dili mo mahasol og lakaw nga magdala og bug-at nga karga," said one comment in the Facebook account of the city government.

The UN Avenue intersection is considered one of the busiest areas in Mandaue City since it is one of the access roads going to Mactan Island.

TEAM personnel were already directed to issue citation tickets to vehicle violators while commuters were warned about the anti-jaywalking ordinance.

Glenn Antigua, chief of operations of Traffic Enforcement Agency of Mandaue (TEAM), said close to 100 vehicles were apprehended by traffic enforcers during the first day of the implementation.

Antigua said some of the drivers were surprised when they were apprehended, while some commuters waited for jeepneys along the UN Avenue, not knowing that it was already a no loading and unloading area. 

"Igo lang nato gibadlong ang mga pedestrian nga nanglabang sa karsada kay mas gihingusgan nato ang pagpanakop sa mga driver sa mga PUJ, buses ug minibuses nga nanghunong bisag dili "loading & unloading area," Antigua said.

The city already designated loading and unloading areas at the Pacific Mall PUJ Terminal and at corner DM Cortes and UN Avenue.

"Nagpasalamat ta no, kay hapsay na gyud kaayo ang dagan sa mga sakyanan kaganiha sa UN Avenue kay naa man tay daghang mga sakop sa TEAM nga gibutang diha sa lugar. Ganihang buntag gani siyam nalang gyud ang naisyuhan nato’g citation ticket nga mga drivers," Antigua said.

The Lapu-Lapu City government has also seen the positive effect of the implementation of the "no stopping zone" along UN Avenue.

Mario Napule, officer-in-charge of City Traffic Management Systems, said the traffic volume from Lapu-Lapu City to Marcelo Fernan Bridge has gone down and that the new traffic scheme in Mandaue City has positive effects for them as it prevents traffic buildup in the area.

"O, dako kaayo siyang tabang gyud. Kay once nga i-allow ang loading and unloading sa sakyanan [sa UN avenue], ma-stock-up man. [Karon nga naay no-stopping zone], inig go, dire-diretso na siya," Napule said.

On the other hand, during the implementation of "no stopping zone" at the UN Avenue, the Department of Public Works and Highways also started its road concreting project in the area.

"Sugod karon adlawa ang DPWH magsemento na sab sila sa 300 metros nga karsada diha sa may junction sa UN Avenue ug sa DM Cortes Avenue," Antigua said.

Based on the website of Department of Public Works and Highways-sixth district engineering Office, the agency has a contract between P.B. Obial Construction for the "Rehabilitation/Improvement of UN Avenue leading to Mactan- Cebu International Airport and Mactan Beach Resorts, Mandaue City, Cebu," which was signed by district engineer Suzette Nwanaka last June 15.

Antigua said the contractor assured the Mandaue City government that the project will be finished before Lapu-Lapu City will celebrate its fiesta on November 20 and 21.

Napule said the CTMS is ready to work hand-in-hand with TEAM in managing the traffic flow, following the road works on UN Avenue. — (FREEMAN)