A proposed coastal highway stretching from Daanbantayan in northern Cebu to Santander in the south has been revived. The plan aims to address traffic congestion by diverting vehicles away from town and city centers.
Feasibility Study and Timeline
A feasibility study will be conducted for the project, which is expected to cost billions of pesos. Construction will not begin immediately and may take years to complete, if it proceeds at all. The outcome depends on leadership decisions.
Will the Coastal Highway Solve Traffic?
The coastal highway is just one potential solution. Another is effective mass transport, combining Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), monorail, and light rail connecting Metro Cebu localities. Building wider roads may encourage more car purchases, as seen in developed Western countries.
Efficient mass transport, offering faster and more convenient travel, could reduce private car usage. Few would drive if a faster, easier alternative exists.
Example from China
In 2015, China experienced the Golden Week gridlock, where motorists were stuck on a 50-lane expressway. Millions of Chinese returning to Beijing for National Day caused a 21-hour traffic jam.
Locally, accidents, vehicle breakdowns, or rush hour often bring traffic to a standstill. A 500-meter stretch can take 30 minutes to traverse, making walking a better option.
Alternative Solutions
Aside from mass transport, sidewalks at least two meters wide and bike lanes can further reduce car traffic. Wide sidewalks, especially covered sections, encourage walking. Protected, exclusive bike lanes promote cycling to work and back without fear of collisions.
These infrastructures can surely solve traffic problems, but the question remains: do our leaders have the political will to implement them?
