PNP pushes pedestrian closure despite protests

By Paul Rillorta

BAGUIO CITY – Despite protests, the Baguio City Police Office, Traffic Management Branch said three pedestrian crossings at Session Road would be closed.

Traffic chief Supt. James Allan Logan during a city council meeting Monday said the number of pedestrian crossings from six to only three in this major thorough fare stands.

The Traffic and Transportation Management Committee endorsed the experimental closure and said it wants to adopt permanently the set-up as the 30-day trial period lapsed.

Logan said zebra lines near Mercury Drug is less than 50 meters and does not meet the required length for a major intersection.

“The pedestrian crossing there is misplaced,” Logan said.

TTMC Technical consultant engineer Teodorico Tan also expressed the need to adapt the measure so they can implement the needed adjustments to make flow of people and automobiles more orderly.

The proposed improvement and upgrading of the present traffic facility totals P6.5 million which includes installation of traffic lights and opening of closed median islands.

Another pedestrian crossing will be opened in front of Star Café to decongest the existing zebra lines fronting McDonalds.

Councilors have not reached a decision on the matter as of press time.

Meantime, Vice-mayor Daniel Farinas has reiterated the need to push through with a ‘traffic summit” to come up with concrete solutions to the worsening traffic situation in the city anytime soon.