Car-free Sundays on Sunset Boulevard? Not so fast

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

ILOILO CITY – A pilot test should be conducted before Iloilo City implements a proposed weekly car-free zone along a portion of Sunset Boulevard, according to Councilor Sedfrey Cabaluna, chairperson of the City Council Committee on Transportation.

Cabaluna, in a progress report to the City Council on Wednesday, Aug. 12, said the proposal must undergo pilot testing to assess its impact on traffic, public safety, and community participation before full implementation.

“The proponent was advised to identify pilot dates and the committee will assist in road closure in order to refine operational protocols, and introduce necessary amendments to the (proposed) ordinance,” he said.

Under the proposal, authored by Councilor Miguel Treñas, a four-lane portion of Sunset Boulevard stretching from Megaworld toward Oton would be closed every Sunday, with proposed operating hours from 4 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The program aims to promote active mobility, recreation, and public health.

Sunset Boulevard has become one of the city’s busiest recreational corridors, drawing runners, cyclists, and walkers to its seaside stretch, particularly on weekends and at dusk.

Cabaluna’s committee conducted a hearing on July 23 attended by representatives of the Iloilo City Traffic and Transportation Management Office (TTMO), the City Planning Office, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 6, running groups, senior citizens, vendors, and other stakeholders.

At the hearing, Cabaluna said, DPWH-6 noted that Sunset Boulevard was originally developed as a bypass road.

The agency added that ongoing bridge and road construction projects along the corridor are expected to continue through 2027, with full completion targeted by 2029.

DPWH-6 also warned that uncoordinated road closures could lead to traffic bottlenecks and safety incidents.

The TTMO, for its part, discussed the parameters for a full closure, parking management, and possible alternative routes, including through the Sooc area.

Representatives of the senior citizens sector raised concerns about the safety of runners using unlit or dark sections of Sunset Boulevard during the early morning and evening.

They recommended the use of reflectorized vests instead of dark-colored clothing.

Vendors along Sunset Boulevard raised concerns about possible losses in customers and parking restrictions during road closures.

The committee stressed the need for a comprehensive traffic management plan covering alternative routes, directional signage, and traffic personnel deployment if the road section is closed.

It also emphasized that emergency access must remain unobstructed at all times for ambulances, fire trucks, police vehicles, and disaster response units.

“Stakeholders concurred on the vital need for aggressive, advanced information dissemination across all user demographics, motorists, and residents,” Cabaluna added.