Bizmen assail ‘closure’ of Session Road; mayor says careful planning was done

By Julie G. Fianza

BAGUIO CITY – Session road businessmen assailed partial closure of the city’s main road, in preparation for its being a “green lane” last week but Mayor Reinaldo Bautista, Jr. said traffic experiments were done with careful planning.

“Other roads being outlined for experimental status are being planned by traffic experts, engineers and planners; all technical people,” the mayor added. “The procedures are well-thought of, and not overnight ideas that sprung out from nowhere. The reason for periods of experimentation is to see if the concept would work well.”

Bautista, Jr. earlier announced the experimental partial closure of Session road, particularly the lane for vehicles going up. The experiment with the road being a green lane starts December 1, with only the downward lane to be used by vehicles, also going downwards, thus minimizing traffic and eliminating excessive exhaust smoke.

Vehicles using the upward lane shall be re-routed to other roads.

A bicycle lane within the same area is envisioned next, the mayor said.

The moves are geared towards “pedestrianization” of the city’s main road; less pollution in the area, and a greener environment for the city.

The proposed green lane starts at the Baguio Post Office, with exit points, noted as “orange lanes;” Assumption road and Mabini street. Parking areas, or “yellow lanes” are available along Calderon street, lower Mabini street and the upward lane of Session road.

As for the experimental scheme along UP drive which has been the subject of disapproval from concerned individuals using the area the mayor explained that he shall call for an amendment of the council ordinance. The route being used may be shortened, he said.

The National Bureau of Investigation route may be used for two-way traffic, with the North Drive curve and the area within the Court of Appeals remedied so as not to inconvenience pedestrians and motorists. Sloping areas or portions may be also shaved off or some “road islands” may be removed, to ease traffic, the mayor said.

On complaints due to traffic experiments and re-routing, the mayor encouraged those with concerns to approach the proper body, the city council. “You have a voice,” he said, “and the right to express it.”

As to the opposition for La Trinidad public utility vehicles to use Magsaysay Avenue leading to the Central Business District and unload at Slaughterhouse compound, Vice Mayor Daniel Farinas assured the riding public that a more detailed plan is being prepared for commuters.

Hearing of dissent, the vice-mayor said that a shuttle may be utilized for Baguio City-bound La Trinidad commuters to prevent double rides and with fare expenses fairly within the same level.