The Provincial Development Council (PDC) approved and endorsed to the Regional Development Council (RDC)-7, the proposed Road and Traffic Improvement Project along J.A. Clarin St. fronting the City Hall to address traffic woes.
The PDC passed a resolution during its executive committee meeting last Friday, endorsing the project to the RDC for support and funding.
It involves the construction of a footbridge or overpass in areas near schools and universities where traffic congestion has been a problem for years already.
Among the areas identified for the project are the areas near educational institutions along CPG Avenue, particularly at Bohol Wisdom School along the north part, Bohol Island State University at CPG Avenue, and University of Bohol.
It is also proposed to be constructed near the main gate of the Holy Name University along J.A. Clarin St., and the commercial area of CPG Avenue near the Bohol Quality Mall.
In its earlier meeting in March this year, the PDC Execom had already tackled the feasibility study for the road network and traffic flow improvement at the area around the New Bohol Museum, Plaza Rizal and the old Provincial Capitol Building.
The PDC ExeCom also passed and approved during the March meeting, the resolution favorably endorsing the conduct of feasibility study on traffic management for the streets in Tagbilaran City, particularly along the Rizal Park fronting the old Capitol Building, St. Joseph Cathedral, and major roads within the vicinity.
The proposal for a feasibility study was transmitted addressed to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and to the RDC-7 for support and funding.
The PDC had also tackled the feasibility study for the road infrastructure to decongest the traffic flow along J.A. Clarin Street near the City Hall junction going to the Island City Mall and the street going to the new Provincial Capitol Building during the Execom meeting in March.
The PDC ExeCom also approved the resolution favorably endorsing the conduct of feasibility study on traffic management for the streets of Tagbilaran City, particularly along J.A. Clarin Street fronting the new Tagbilaran City Hall and major streets within the area to DPWH and to the RDC-7 for support and funding.
Last Friday, the PDC finalized the endorsement of these projects to the RDC-7 for funding based on the feasibility study conducted.
The construction of footbridges in Tagbilaran’s commercial district was first tackled by the city’s Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) in October last year.
By then, the passed a proposed ordinance involving the construction of footbridges that would connect three retail and food outlet centers along CPG Avenue.
Two pedestrian overpasses will connect BQ Mall to City Square and the latter to Alturas Mall as proposed by City Councilor Dodong Polinar in the proposed ordinance he sponsored.
The City Square and Alturas Mall will be linked by a footbridge crossing B. Inting Street.
Polinar added that the project would likely be implemented without any expense on the city government’s part.
The councilor, who chairs the SP Committee on Engineering and Public Works, also proposed that Sen. Manny Pacquiao had previously pledged to provide funds for the project.
He said that Pacquiao looked forward to extending help in establishing the project which would cost approximately P20 million.
The ordinance intended to address traffic congestion along the area surrounding the three establishments.
In addition, it is also expected to serve as a safety measure for pedestrians crossing the busy streets in between the two malls and the City Square.
Prior to the ordinance’s approval, there had also been previous suggestions regarding the construction of an overpass connecting BQ and City Square as concerns on safety were raised.
Other than protecting pedestrians, Polinar added, the project would also serve as an attraction for visitors in Tagbilaran City.