By Nimfa L. Estrellado Mayor Mark Alcala monitors the implementation of Lucena City’s 3-month experimental traffic rerouting scheme from the...
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| Mayor Mark Alcala monitors the implementation of Lucena City’s 3-month experimental traffic rerouting scheme from the command center. (Lucena City PIO) |
LUCENA CITY, Quezon — Lucena City is implementing a 3-month experimental traffic rerouting scheme to assess whether revised routes can ease peak-hour congestion on major roads, framing the changes as a test rather than a permanent shift. The recent rollout has prompted public reaction as authorities systematically examine traffic flow patterns, enforcement effectiveness, and commuter behavior across affected corridors.
Mayor Mark Alcala is overseeing the implementation as the local government conducts a broader review of operational conditions and traffic management outcomes during the trial period. Findings from the rollout will guide decisions on which routes should be retained, modified, or discontinued once the assessment is completed.
Official advisories indicate that the rerouting affects sections of Quezon Avenue, M.L. Tagarao Street, Perez Street, Enriquez Street, F. Nanadiego Street, and portions of the Lucena Diversion Road. These roads link commercial districts, residential areas, and public institutions and were selected due to recurring congestion and their role in connecting major activity centers within the city.
Authorities continue to monitor the rollout from the city’s command center, supported by on-site inspections along affected roads and intersections. Monitoring teams consolidate traffic data, incident reports, and field observations to provide a clearer picture of how the revised routes are performing under daily traffic conditions.
Motorists have been reminded to follow posted traffic signs, official advisories, and instructions issued on the ground while passing through affected routes. Compliance is expected to play a key role in determining the effectiveness of the rerouting setup and its overall impact on traffic conditions.
Meanwhile, public reaction has included criticism expressed online regarding the traffic rerouting scheme. A widely shared post questioned the planning of the program and pointed to foot traffic near Agora Supermarket and St. Ferdinand Cathedral, along with illegal parking and uncontrolled passenger drop-offs.
The same post highlighted frequent pedestrian crossings outside marked lanes, which slow vehicle movement in already busy sections of the city. It added that limited pedestrian barriers and faded lane markings were seen as contributing factors to congestion in these areas.
Other concerns raised in the post explained how counterflowing vehicles and drivers blocking intersections continue to strain road capacity under the current setup. These actions were cited as factors that worsen traffic conditions, particularly along major thoroughfares affected by the rerouting and during peak travel hours.
Additional criticism focused on how personnel were deployed at key intersections during the early implementation of the scheme. The post pointed to uneven staffing at crossings, saying the concentration of personnel in some areas and the absence in others contributed to confusion and traffic delays.
Alcala said the city is treating the current setup as part of a broader assessment of traffic management options under consideration for Lucena City. He added that observations gathered from the rollout, including traffic flow patterns and on-ground conditions, will guide possible adjustments moving forward.
“Bigyan muna natin ng pagkakataon ang bagong daloy ng trapiko bago tayo humusga sa resulta nito. Ang pakiusap ko sa publiko ay lamigan ng ulo habang inaayos at pinapahusay ang implementasyon. Eksperimento siya at baka makapagbigay ng solution sa traffic kung pagbibigyan ng sapat na panahon,” Alcala said.
The mayor pledged that the local government will continue monitoring traffic conditions while reviewing feedback from motorists and commuters throughout the trial period. He noted that adjustments may be introduced if operational issues persist, particularly in areas where congestion, enforcement gaps, or safety concerns are identified.
“Hindi ito agarang sagot sa problema kundi isang hakbang na kailangang isailalim sa aktwal na pagsusuri sa kalsada. Mahalaga na manatiling kalmado at lamigan ng ulo habang inoobserbahan kung ano ang gumagana at alin ang kailangang baguhin. Dahil eksperimento siya, may posibilidad na makapagbigay ito ng solution sa traffic sa mas mahabang panahon,” Alcala added.
Local traffic coordination teams plan to strengthen enforcement on the ground as the trial continues, adjusting strategies based on observed conditions and recurring issues. The teams are also reviewing personnel deployment and intersection coverage to address gaps identified during peak traffic hours.
Road safety was also discussed during a coordination meeting between the mayor and the Department of Public Works and Highways – 2nd District of Quezon, focusing on reducing risks along major roads. The local government sought added street lighting along the Diversion Road, center island improvements, and road repairs within and outside the city to improve safety conditions.
Mayor Alcala also conducted on-site inspections along primary streets, including Enriquez, San Fernando, C.M. Recto, and Merchan Streets, to personally assess traffic conditions on the ground. He was joined by agency heads as part of the local government’s ongoing monitoring of the experimental traffic rerouting scheme.
For now, the Lucena City government remains open to feedback and suggestions from residents and motorists regarding the traffic rerouting scheme. Inputs submitted through official and designated channels will be reviewed as part of the continuing assessment of whether the experiment can deliver lasting improvements.
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