Road Users Laud Government Over New Cebu City Underpass

Days after its opening, more than 20,000 motorists are now benefitting from the new N. Bacalso and F. Llamas Underpass in Cebu City.

Commuters expressed gratitude to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for the two-lane underpass that has now increased road capacity going to the southern part of the city.

In his report to DPWH Secretary Mark Villar, DPWH Region 7 Director Edgar Tabacon said that the PHP724-million underpass involves the construction of service road and transition approaches, drainage facilities, and pumping station.

The project also includes provision of curb and gutter, sidewalk, parapets, pavement markings, and traffic signages to ensure safe travel for motorists and pedestrians.

Residents noted that the new interchange has helped ease traffic along the major choke point area that has a peak daily traffic of 40,000 on Mondays and weekends.

"Noong wala pa ang proyekto talagang ma-traffic ang lugar na iyan, kasi maraming jeep na hihinto para bumaba ang mga pasahero. So ‘yung iba(ng sasakyan) ma-stuck sa daan lalo na peak hours, talagang traffic (That area was heavily congested before because of the number of jeeps that unload passengers along the way. Other vehicles would really get stuck in traffic especially during peak hours)," commented Chiese Basilisco, a public school teacher.

"Nang matapos na siya hindi na masyadong traffic na bumper to bumper talaga ang mga sasakyan. Ngayon ang mga private cars sa baba na dumadaan at ang PUJ sa itaas (With the project now complete, traffic flow is no longer bumper to bumper. Private cars now go down the underpass while PUJs stay above [service road>)," said college student Cenica Lumod.

"We in DPWH would like to thank the people of Cebu for their understanding and patience during the construction of this high-impact project. The convenience brought by this underpass wouldn’t have been possible without your support," added Villar.