The City of Mati has started its test run on the P20-million traffic signalization system that will soon be operational.
The dry run was held on September 17 in the four junctions where the traffic lights are installed.
The test was led by the City Traffic Management Office, City Public Safety Office, and the Traffic Supplies and Construction Corporation which was the same company that managed the traffic signalization system in Tagum City.
The morning before the dry run, personnel of the Mati Traffic Management Office were orientated on the traffic system at the Pelaez Activity Center.
Mayor Michelle Nakpil Rabat was represented by Allan Andrada at the orientation which was facilitated by the Project Engineer John Bernard Infante.
Several days before the actual orientation, flyers were handed out to the drivers for them to learn basic information about the traffic lights.
The traffic lights were turned on individually by Project Engineer Bernard Infante and Jeysie Agdan. The dry run started 2 pm at the Martinez junction, followed by the Daticor junction in Matiao, then at the St. Camillus Crossing, and lastly at the Rizal junction.
According to City Councilor Eric Rabat, officer-in-charge of the city traffic signalization system, this is a milestone for the city, which expects more similar projects in the future.
During the trial, local drivers and pedestrians apparently have yet to adjust to the traffic lights in the city.
Infante said they will be making adjustments to the traffic lights’ system due to some observation during the dry run such as making the go-signal for pedestrians a little longer especially at the Rizal street during the rush hour to make a smoother flow for the vehicles and pedestrians.
The multi-million peso project started last April 8, 2021, and is part of the infrastructure agenda under the administration of Mayor Michelle Rabat.
The local government of the City of Mati urged Matinians to follow all traffic laws because it is for their benefit, safety, and also for the smooth flow of traffic in the city. (CIO/Alab Maldo)
