• CHERYL G. CRUZ
There will be full closure of Circumferential Road fronting the Bacolod Government Center (BGC), or between St. Francis Avenue and Megaworld’s The Upper East Avenue, from 7 o’clock tonight, Oct. 18, to 12 midnight, and on Oct. 20 with similar time frame.
All vehicles are banned from entering this road stretch to give way to revelers watching the MassKaravan and concert at the BGC grounds tonight, and the Music Fest, featuring Piolo Pascual, Moira Dela Torre, Franco, and TJ Monterde, among others, on Oct. 20.
“In light of the anticipated large crowds and the importance of ensuring the safety and security of event-goers during live concerts scheduled on Oct. 18 and 20 at the Bacolod Government Center, there is need to implement re-routing schedules,” Mayor Alfredo Benitez said in Executive Order 057 dated Oct. 17.
The EO directs the Bacolod Traffic and Transport Management Department (formerly Bacolod Traffic Authority Office) to provide clear and accessible alternate route to the riding public.
“All trucks that intend to pass through the Circumferential Road shall be diverted to the BANOCEH (Bacolod Negros Occidental Economic Highway) from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. on these dates,” Benitez said. “The BTTMD (formerly BTAO) will put up holding areas for trucks that opt to wait out until the event is finished.”
The Department of Public Works and Highways Bacolod District Engineering Office, meanwhile, said that “to ensure the safety and security of the attendees of the MassKara Festival, all motorists should reroute, starting on Oct. 18, to the BANOCEH, instead of taking the Bacolod Circumferential Road, (especially with the expected) crowd overflow on Oct. 25, 26, and 27.”
The Economic Highway is open to traffic, from Barangay Sum-ag up to its junction with the Bacolod-Silay Access Road (BSAAR) in Talisay City, the DPWH advisory said. “Motorists can also access two national roads along BANOCEH – the Bacolod-San Carlos Road, or Alijis Road, and the Bacolod City boundary road, or Burgos Street.” | CGC
