By Reem Pandapatan
MSU Intern
MOTORISTS and commuters continue to endure worsening traffic congestion along Capistrano Street and the J.R. Borja Bridge, as the area remains one of Cagayan de Oro’s most problematic choke points.
Each day, long lines of vehicles stretch from the narrow lanes of the J.R. Borja Bridge, spilling over into nearby streets such as Burgos, Rizal and Tiano Brothers Streets.
Congestion peaks during rush hours, causing significant delays for both public and private vehicles.
Many drivers cite the limited capacity of the J.R. Borja Bridge as a root cause.
The bridge accommodates only a single lane in each direction, forcing vehicles to merge and slowing the flow of traffic. Compounding the issue, the intersection connecting Burgos Street, Capistrano Street and the J.R. Borja Bridge often becomes jammed, leaving little room for movement.
“Grabe gyud ang traffic diri sa Borja Bridge ug Capistrano. Maski wala pa peak hours, maghinay-hinay na gyud ang dagan. Ang ubang sakyanan, mo-block pa sa intersection,” said Ronald Santiago, a daily commuter.
The situation is made worse by the disorderly flow of public utility jeepneys (PUJs) in the area. Jeepneys that frequently stop to pick up or drop off passengers further slow traffic, and some drivers ignore traffic rules, adding to the chaos.
City officials have acknowledged the problem but have yet to implement a long-term solution.
In previous years, the Roads and Traffic Administration (RTA) introduced temporary rerouting during events and bridge repairs, but those efforts only provided short-term relief.
Some motorists have proposed a “right-turn only” rule for vehicles crossing the J.R. Borja Bridge to prevent gridlock. Others are calling for stricter enforcement of intersection discipline and permanent PUJ rerouting to ease congestion.
Meanwhile, the anticipated opening of the Rio de Oro Boulevard is raising additional concerns. Commuters fear that without proper traffic management, the new road may worsen traffic in the Capistrano-Borja corridor rather than relieve it.
“Dapat unahon nila ang traffic solutions sa existing roads before mag-open og bagong dalan. Basin mas mu-grabe pa ang trapik kung pasagdan lang ni,” said Balasi, a store owner along Capistrano Street.
For now, residents and drivers have little choice but to endure daily gridlock, hoping city officials will soon deliver lasting solutions to ease congestion in one of the busiest parts of downtown Cagayan de Oro.
