Workers speed up the construction of Mambaling underpass, which is now 78 percent complete, according to project engineer Roy dela Cruz. The project is expected to be finished by March 2019. CDN file PHOTO
Mambaling Underpass Update
It’s been a year since the construction of the P638-million underpass project has started. But commuters and motorists are once again advised to extend their patience since opening of both the southbound and northbound lanes of N. Bacalso Avenue will be moved to December this year.
Opening of N. Bacalso Avenue for traffic was originally planned in September or next month.
Engr. Roy dela Cruz, project engineer from the Department of Public Works and Highways in Central Visayas (DPWH-7), told Cebu Daily News that underground pipes hampered the construction’s progress.
He also said they are still putting up finishing touches on the underpass’ foundation.
But nevertheless, Dela Cruz said they are confident that the multimillion project will be finished by March 2019.
“We are now 78 percent complete. And we are also confident that the project will be finished even before March 2019,” said Dela Cruz.
Meanwhile, the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) will not implement another traffic rerouting scheme near the Mambaling underpass.
CCTO chief Francisco Ouano said major changes in the traffic flow in the area, such as traffic rerouting, may no longer work with the project nearing completion.
Instead, Ouano said that they will be focusing to decongest traffic in access roads leading to the Mambaling underpass such as Tagunol, E. Sabellano, F. Llamas and Cabreros streets.
“We are studying ways to improve the traffic in access roads especially those leading to Barangay Punta Princesa,” explained Ouano.
“We’re also asking the public to cooperate by stretching their patience as well as following traffic rules,” he added.
Since August 2017 when the construction of the Mambaling underpass started, CCTO has conducted four rerouting schemes in N. Bacalso Avenue.