Addressing accidents on 2 Mactan bridges

Traffic authorities of Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu, and Cebu Province have requested the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to purchase towing trucks for emergencies like vehicular accidents.

Jonathan Tumulak, Capitol traffic management focal person, said that DPWH, which is in charge of maintaining the two bridges that link Cebu mainland to Mactan Island, is also requested to create a quick response team, and install speed limit signs and rumble strips.

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Tumulak said the Capitol, Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu and the DPWH met in connection with the vehicular accident the other day at the foot of the Marcelo Fernan Bridge that involved 11 vehicles.

“The purpose of rumble strips is to caution the vehicles passing the bridges and control their speed,” he said.

He also said that it was established during their meeting that the truck that caused the accident was trying to overtake other vehicles and tried to swerve to the inner portion of the road, but the vehicles ahead had stopped because of heavy traffic, so the driver ended up ramming the vehicles in front of him.

Tumulak added that traffic authorities of Mandaue and LapuLapu also asked DPWH for access to the closed-circuit television cameras on the bridge so they can monitor overspeeding vehicles and apprehend violators.

He said that they agreed that the DPWH should immediately notify Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu in case of accidents so the two local government units (LGUs) and the agency can coordinate.

“I think any accidents can immediately be solved if there are close coordination between LGUs and DPWH,” he said.