CCTO: Brace for traffic during Donaire, Bedak fight

CEBU, Philippines - Heavy traffic is expected on Saturday along Osmeña Boulevard and its arterial roads, specifically near Cebu City Sports Center where the international boxing bout will take place.

Cebu City Transportation Office operations chief Jonathan Tumulak said the organizers are expecting at least 13,000 to 15,000 spectators in the international fight between four-division world champion Nonito "The Filipino Flash" Donaire Jr. and Hungarian Zsolt "Mr. Left Hook" Bedak.

"Awhag sa mga motorists nga dunay mga biyahe sa adlaw nga Sabado nga likayan nila ang Osmeña Boulevard, F. Ramos Street ana nga adlaw kay grabe ka-traffic," he told reporters. 

Tumulak said motorists should avoid Osmeña Boulevard, F. Ramos Street, RR Landon Street, and Junquera Street because these are the most congested areas starting Saturday afternoon until the evening.

He said the first option of the traffic plan is that the whole stretch of Osmeña Boulevard will be passable to motorists and public utility jeepneys.

"Kun pananglitan mapuno na sa mga tao ang atubangan sa sports center along Osmeña Boulevard, temporary nga siradoan namo ang eskina R.R. Landon sa Osmeña Boulevard hangtud sa P. del Rosario. Kining side sa sports center nga side. But side sa CNU (Cebu Normal University), open siya," he said.

He said there is a possibility that the right side portion of Osmeña Boulevard from RR Landon Street to P. del Rosario will be closed to vehicular traffic.

Once the road is closed, public utility jeepneys will be rerouted to F. Ramos Street and V. Rama Avenue.

He said there is also the possibility that CCTO will close the Arlington Pond.  Tumulak said at least 50 to 60 CCTO personnel will be deployed along the affected streets to assist the motorists starting 1 p.m.

He also reminded those who will watch the event that there are areas where parking is allowed. These are Pelaez Street — left side from P. del Rosario to R.R. Landon Streets; Osmeña Boulevard — both sides from Arlington Pond to P. del Rosario Streets; R.R. Landon Street — right side, from Osmeña boulevard to RR Landon Street; and P. del Rosario Street — right side, from Pelaez Street to Osmeña Boulevard.

Tumulak said vendors will not be allowed within six-meter radius from Cebu City Sports Center. He said vendors have already agreed that they will do business near Sto. Rosario Street and Harrison Park.

"Nasabutan pud nga sa 5 p.m. inig Friday, dapat wala nay vendors makit-an. Kun dunay makit-an, ipaimbargo sa PROBE (Prevention, Restoration, Order, Beautification, Enhancement), isyuhan og ticket and imbargohon ang baligya. Gituyo nga walay maninda gyud aron ma-control ang tao and para sa security pud sa mga manan-aw," he said.

He said the international fight will be aired live. — (FREEMAN)