SM Puerto Princesa has sought the city government’s help in adjusting the traffic scheme in three major roads to ease the worsening traffic congestion, especially during mall opening and closing hours.
SM public relations officer Russel O. Fernandez, in a letter dated October 10 addressed to the City Council, said their management is seeking the adjustment of the traffic scheme along Lacao Street, Malvar Street, and Rizal Avenue so they could also help their employees, shoppers, and residents find a ride.
“The shoppers and employees, especially residents in the nearby Barangay Maningning, ay nahihirapan sumakay because of the limited and few public tricycles,” Fernandez said.
The proposal seeks to implement a two-way scheme along Lacao Street; allowing left-turn from Malvar Street going to Lacao Street, and allowing left-turn from Rizal Avenue going to Lacao Street.
“With this, mababawasan yung traffic sa Malvar Street and Rizal Avenue since kokonti yung volume ng sasakyan because it will allow them to go around the mall, even via H. Mendoza,” Fernandez said.
The request is yet to be tackled by the city council as it is still on its first reading. Meanwhile, city councilor Victor S. Oliveros also proposed a study making portions of Manalo Street one-way with the hope of decongesting Rizal Avenue.