![A traffic reroute scheme would regulate the movement of passenger jeepneys along the Pope John Paul II Avenue area (CDN FILE PHOTO).](https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/files/2016/09/n0906foto2.jpg)
A traffic reroute scheme would regulate the movement of passenger jeepneys along the Pope John Paul II Avenue area (CDN FILE PHOTO).
Traffic is expected to worsen along Pope John Paul II Ave. (formerly J. Luna Ave.) starting today as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) starts work on a flood-control project along the road.
Rafael Yap, Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) chief, said portions of Pope John Paul II Ave. will be closed to give way to the contractor of the project.
The project will start from the area across Mabolo Elementary School all the way to corner F. Cabahug St.
Yap said the project contractor will excavate and put culverts on only one side of the road — on the side where vehicles from SM City Cebu going to Cebu IT Park pass.
Only one lane, the outermost, will be closed from vehicular traffic.
“We are expecting heavy traffic once the project starts especially during peak hours since there is a significant amount of traffic there from mallgoers in SM, Ayala and IT Park, those going to hotels and those going to Mandaue City,” Yap told reporters yesterday.
The entire affected area is around 1.2 kilometers long.
However, Yap explained that the closure and the construction will be implemented in short phases between 20 meters to as long as 80 meters to avoid disrupting the entire area. The project is expected to last for seven months.
But Yap said they are asking the project contractor to fasttrack the project since the area is very busy.
“We ask the public to bear with us since this is also an important flood control project,” Yap said.
He said minor rerouting will be implemented by the CCTO for passenger jeepneys passing through Pope John Paul II Ave.
Yap said jeepney drivers should just follow signs to be installed by the CCTO for the changes in their routes.
Yap also said private motorists should avoid passing through the road.
Alternative roads available for use include L. Tudtud St., P. Cabantan St. and Tres Borces St.