DPWH, CONTRACTOR URGED TO WORK 24/7 ON UNDERPASS PROJECT

Councilor Tumulak proposes opening two lanes for motorists bound for the city proper in the morning, and two lanes for south-bound motorists in the afternoon to ease traffic on N. Bacalso Ave.

Cebu City Councilor Dave Tumulak wants the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to open one lane of N. Bacalso Ave., where the construction of an underpass is ongoing.

He also urged the agency and the contractor to work 24 hours a day, seven days a week instead of from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. only.

“There is a portion of the project site that is vacant, which can be utilized by motorist. There is no activity there at all while the public has to bear with the heavy traffic,” Tumulak told reporters.

Tumulak, who chairs the committee on public order and safety, inspected the site yesterday morning, and found that civil works do not use the entire closed portion of the road.

“I would advice them that if the movement of the project is slow, we will open both outer lanes of the road during peak hours and they will just continue after,” he said.

He proposed opening two lanes for motorists bound for the city proper in the morning, and two lanes for south-bound motorists in the afternoon.

The scheme is expected to decongest interior roads, which are being used as alternative routes.

At present, only one lane is open, particularly along the corner of F. Llamas St.

Engr. Josue Raoul Miole, DPWH 7 pro••ect inspector, said they will coordinate with Tumulak.

Miole explained that WT Construction, the contractor, can’t work full-time on the project since it’s still waiting for some materials. Also, the waterline of the Metropolitan Cebu Water District that runs along the project site still has to be transferred.

Meanwhile, he said he will consult residents if they are amenable to them working in the area around the clock.