Students of a state university in Cagayan de Oro City are forced to take an overpass after the pedestrian lane outside the school was closed.

Students of the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) were surprised by the installation of a steel barrier along the center island of CM Recto Avenue, where a pedestrian crossing commonly used by students is located.

Some students said the pedestrian crossing has long been their usual route when going to and from the school, but it was closed recently by the city’s Roads and Traffic Administration (RTA).

“Dalan gyud na siya sa estudyante importante gyud na siya maski gani naa pedestrian lane naa gihapon gakabangaan dapat gyud mawala na siya,” a student, Yasheane Ejem, said.

Because of the barrier, some students are forced to cross at the middle portion of the intersection to avoid obstruction while others are taking the overpass.

In an advisory, the USTP Office of Student Affairs (OSA) said the pedestrian lane has been closed temporarily and blocked by the RTA for safety reasons.

All students are advised to avoid crossing the area and instead use the designated alternative crossing points, including the pedestrian lane at the other side near the back of a coffee shop and the pedestrian overpass.

The OSA urged students to follow traffic signs and instructions of traffic enforcers.