Traffic brainstorming on to address weekend logjams, prepare for opening of classes
Traffic authorities in the city continued to find solutions to mitigate traffic logjams in the city in face of the continued influx of tourists on weekends and the return of students to face-to-face classes starting Aug. 22.
The Traffic and Transport Technical Working Group led by the City Engineering Office – Traffic and Transportation Management Division and the Baguio City Police Office Traffic Enforcement Unit last Aug. 10 engaged public transport groups both from the city and Benguet province for more inputs on improving transport service and addressing traffic congestions.
The group also earlier met with schools and school service groups to also discuss the concerns.
After experiencing monstrous traffic snarls over the weekend, Mayor Benjamin Magalong convened last Aug. 8 the TWG including City Engr. Edgar Victorio Olpindo and Traffic Division Head Engr. John Borillo of the CEO and City Police Director PCol. Glenn Lonogan and TEU Head Lt. Col. Roldan Cabatan to discuss solutions to avert a similar occurrence.
“We have to address this, employ our critical thinking and problem solving capabilities. I don’t want a repeat of the incident especially with the students arriving in full force for the opening of classes,” the mayor said.
Among the suggested solutions were the adoption of odd-even number coding during weekends and applicable traffic rerouting schemes on affected areas.
The TWG also suggested moving the unloading areas for buses to their own terminals to avoid adding to the build-up at Gov. Pack Road and the resizing of the center islands in the affected routes.
Representatives of SM City Baguio were invited to the meeting being at the center of the weekend snarls that occurred along Upper Session Road and Gov. Pack Road.
The body suggested improving the establishment’s parking admittance, staging, queueing and information systems to ensure that staging areas leading to the establishment’s parking lot do not obstruct the surrounding streets.
They also proposed the opening of a diversion route from the establishment to ease up the flow of vehicles.
SM City Baguio representatives Mark Abad and Albert Carbonell promised to take up the suggestions with the top level management. – Aileen P. Refuerzo