Talomo Bridge 2 not starting yet

THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH 11) assured that they will finish the construction of the alternate road projects before they would start the widening of the Talomo Bridge 2 to avoid traffic gridlock, a traffic official said.

Davao City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) chief Dioniso Abude said yesterday that they had already submitted their recommendation to DPWH 11 based on their assessment during the one-day dry run last June 20.

During the dry-run, CTTMO closed Talomo Bridge 1 to see the effect should the widening kick off and assess the traffic condition and address the gaps. It triggered massive bottleneck because of the volume of vehicles traversing Talomo Bridge 1 and the diversion road.

“In fact na-submit na sa DPWH. Na-approbahan na ng Traffic Management Board, giadapt siya and na-submit na natin sa DPWH and they already have a re- sponse,” he said.

They recommend the completion of roads still being constructed as alternative when Talomo Bridge will be closed.

There were several stretches of these alternate routes with electric posts right on the carriageways as these were not yet removed by the Davao Light and Power Company.

He added, “Their response is merong memorandum [issued] to district engineer na dapat the recommendation that we made i-comply to siya before they start the widening. That is the letter in response sa aming opisina.”

In an earlier interview with DPWH 11 regional director Allan Borromeo, he acknowledged the traffic problem it would cause should they start the Talomo Bridge. But the date has yet to be determined.

He said they will focus on widening the Bypass Road in BangkalPequeño. They will add two lanes to decongest traffic in the area.