By MERLINDA A. PEDROSA

The Bacolod Traffic and Transport Management Department (BTTMD) has urged contractors undertaking national or local public works projects to coordinate with the city government before commencing any work on the city’s roads.

This follows as Secretary to the Mayor Marty Go said the BTTMD has received multiple complaints about heavy traffic caused by ongoing projects being implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) along Burgos Extension.

The city was not informed of the project’s start date despite its earlier requests for coordination with the contractor.

Go noted that, pursuant to Section 21 of the Local Government Code of 1991 (Republic Act No. 7160), temporary road closures require a written order from the local government explicitly specifying the duration of the closure.

“Timely coordination enables the city to issue early public advisories, implement traffic management plans, and deploy traffic enforcers to mitigate congestion,” Go said.

He said that all contractors handling national or local public works projects should coordinate with the city government to ensure the smooth flow of traffic and the safety of motorists.

Go added that the city expects strict compliance moving forward to help ensure public safety and convenience./MAP, WDJ