The Traffic and Transportation Management Division of the City Engineering Office (TTMD-CEO), presented their proposal to install traffic calming devices (TCDs) along city roads.
During the Baguio city council’s regular session on April 15, Engr. Samuel Martinez of the TTMD-CEO said TCDs are strategically installed near school areas and local roads to ensure pedestrian safety and reduce accidents caused by reckless driving.
He said the installation of these devices supports the enforcement of the King of the Road Ordinance.
The three types of TCDs are speed humps, raised crosswalks or speed tables, and speed bumps. Speed humps are used on residential streets to reduce vehicle speeds; raised crosswalks/speed tables are flat-topped speed humps designed to improve pedestrian visibility and accessibility; and speed bumps are typically found in private roadways and parking lots and are designed to reduce speed on low-volume roads.
Areas installed with TCDs include Barangay Camdas, New Lucban, Crescencia Village, Queen of Peace, Lourdes Subdivision Extension, Middle Rock Quarry Barangay, Saint Joseph Village, Bakakeng Central, Sto. Niño, Sto. Rosario Village, and Irisan.
In his presentation, Martines highlighted the design bases and guidelines for TCDs in the city. He referenced Department of Public Works and Highways Department Order 263-2022 which provides updated guidelines for TCDs.
He added the design bases for TCDs are aligned with standards from the National Association of City Transportation Officials.
He said their office had coordinated with the Department of the Interior and Local Government regarding guidelines for TCDs on local roads and is waiting for further response from the DPWH.
Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda raised concerns about traffic congestion due to calming device installations, especially near Nicasia Elementary School.
She said reducing speed may lead to traffic issues and requested thorough studies before installation.
Engr. John Vincent Ninalga of TTMD-CEO said calming devices are for high-traffic areas, especially near schools to prevent accidents.
Meanwhile, Councilors Fred Bagbagen and Mylen Victoria Yaranon expressed support for safety projects like the installation of TCDs despite potential traffic impacts. They commended the implementation of safety measures and suggested improvements based on past experiences.
The city council referred the matter to the committee on public utilities, transportation, and traffic legislation for further study. – Jordan G. Habbiling
May 7, 2024
