Valley seeks solution to traffic
SEVERAL measures are now being sought to resolve traffic woes in Benguet’s capital town.
Aside from the installment of the traffic light along Kilometer 4, La Trinidad is also seeking other ways to effectively manage the traffic congestion in the municipality.
Chief Inspector Benson Macli-ing, La Trinidad Municipal PoFREE
lice Station head said the traffic auxiliary unit, Kabalikat Civicom, are set to help the valley’s traffic management system.
Mayor Romeo Salda cited as major causes of traffic congestion in the area are the business establishment along Km. 3 and Km. 4 which does not have parking space and the increase of private vehicles which rose to 28,371 in 2016 while public utility vehicles have 1,534 and government owned vehicles at 539.
Another traffic mitigating measure being undertaken by the town is the re-bidding of an overpass to be constructed in Km. 5 and Km. 6
Vice Mayor Joey Marrero meanwhile said continuous monitoring will be done to realize the effect of the traffic light adding the ban of parking along the stretch of Km. 3 to Km. 4 from six in the morning to eight in the evening should be enforced strictly.
“When Baguio City experience traffic, automatic, there is congestion in Km. 4. Our roads are not that wide and there are more vehicles,” said Marrero.
The municipal council is also looking at the vacant public market lot which was earlier eyed by Jarco Realty and Development Corporation as a parking space which can accommodate at least 170 vehicles.
The project was introduced during the term of former Mayor Artemio Galwan with the signing of the contract of the construction and management of the multi-million commercial complex.
It was later on carried by former Mayor Edna Tabanda but the contract failed to secure the Council’s ratification with only five out of the 10 councilors approved for the ratification of the amended contract.
"As I foresee, it is sustainable," Marrero said.