Mayor Alegado: Solving traffic in Consolacion a big challenge

Local

TRAFFIC congestion in Consolacion town, northern Cebu remains a major concern, prompting the local government to implement measures aimed at easing the situation.

Mayor Teresa “Nene” Alegado, speaking during the Open Line News media forum of MyTV Cebu on Tuesday, March 4, acknowledged the difficulty of resolving the perennial issue, noting that traffic is a global challenge with no immediate solutions.

She pointed out that Consolacion serves as a key passage for motorists traveling to northern Cebu, making congestion inevitable.

Previous attempts to address the problem, such as installing barriers and counterflow systems, have faced limitations.

She admitted that previous measures did not significantly reduce accidents or improve traffic flow, as the town’s four-lane road had already reached its capacity.

The presence of long-standing structures along major roads has further prevented expansion, highlighting the need for better urban planning and regulation.

To ease congestion, Alegado said the local government has opened alternative roads in peripheral areas, which now serves as an option for motorists during heavy traffic in the town center.

She also noted that a recent effort to streamline traffic flow reduced the number of intersections within Consolacion’s 1.8-kilometer stretch between Mandaue and Liloan.

This was done by controlling left and right turns to improve vehicle movement, similar to major expressways.

Traffic enforcement remains a challenge, she said, as many personnel lack formal training.

While enforcers have undergone seminars to improve their understanding of traffic rules, she acknowledged that their effectiveness remains limited due to inexperience.

Despite these challenges, she pointed to long-term solutions, including the development of a mass transport system as recommended by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) under the Mega Cebu roadmap.

However, she noted that political factors continue to delay its implementation.

“It really needs good planning and political will,” she said.

The mayor assured the public that efforts to address traffic congestion will continue, emphasizing the need for a balance between infrastructure development and existing road constraints.(MyTVCebu)