Garganera: P. del Rosario flyover project not aligned with BRT

The University of San Carlos (USC) main campus | Photo Courtesy of www.bjorncebuano.com

CEBU CITY, Philippines — The flyover proposed along P. del Rosario Street in Cebu City could be an “obstacle” to the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project that is pending implementation by the national government.

Councilor Joel Garganera, chairperson for the committee on culture and heritage of the Cebu City Council, said its implementation is also expected to affect the facade and foundation of the centuries old campus of the University of San Carlos.

Garganera made his statement in support of the position paper that was earlier released by the USC’s management to oppose the project’s implementation.

READ: USC says no to flyover near P. Del Rosario

“First, as stated by USC, it would greatly affect the foundations of the USC building. Mind you, it is one of the oldest buildings in this city and is considered to be of historical value. Not only that, but the location would also affect the historical sites located in the area considering that the American period infrastructures are prevalent therein,” he said.

Also, the flyover project is not aligned with the BRT.

“The location where the underpass was constructed is in fact one of the proposed BRT stations. In this case, the first phase of the BRT runs from Capitol Site to the South Bus Terminal. Surely, the construction of this proposed flyover would also affect the implementation of Phase 1 of the BRT Project,” he said.

Garganera said that adding another road infrastructure project will not necessarily address the city’s congestion problems.

“Such fact is proven and tested,” he said.

What the city needs, he said, are wider roads, a more intelligent traffic system and the implementation of mass transport system in order to reduce the volume of private vehicles plying the streets.

READ: RDC-7 wants DED study for Cebu City flyovers suspended

During the second quarter full council meeting of the Regional Development Council in Central Visayas (RDC-7), the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said that they are also considering alternatives to address traffic concerns in this part of the city.

The 1.2-kilometer flyover is not the only project currently undergoing detailed engineering design (DED).

Other projects that are being considered include the 1.1-kilometer flyover along Natalio Bacalso Avenue and an underpass from the South Road Properties (SRP) to F. Vestil Street.

RDC-7 has ordered the suspension of the DED study while development planners in the region meet with members of the regional Infrastructure Development Council (IDC) to discuss the status of these projects. / dcb