By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Bacolod Traffic Authority Office (BTAO) is set to implement a new traffic scheme, after the local government received numerous complaints about the worsening traffic conditions in the city, particularly this month due to the holiday rush.

Mayor Alfredo Benitez said he met with the city’s traffic council last Tuesday, December 6, and they have come up with a new traffic plan which will be on an experimental basis for 90 days.

BTAO head, Police Major Junji Liba said in order to decongest Lacson Street, they will open Aguinaldo Street for one-way traffic only.

Liba said they will conduct clearing operations and declare the entire street as a no-parking zone.

Meanwhile, Gatuslao Street will also be opened for one-way traffic only from North Capitol Drive to the city’s downtown area.

Junction roads along 12th, 14th, 16th, 18th, 20th, 22nd, 23rd, and Lacson Street will be converted into alternate routes for eastbound traffic.

On the other hand, the 13th, 15th, 17th, 19th, 21st, and 24th streets will be used as alternate roads for westbound vehicles.

The alternate roads are also expected to minimize left-turns along Lacson Street.

The new traffic scheme will take effect on Monday, December 12./DGB, WDJ