Motorists in Dagupan City now have another alternative route for travel after authorities opened the newly built PNR Road in Barangay Mayombo, a move expected to ease traffic congestion in major thoroughfares.

The Public Order and Safety Office (POSO) said traffic volume has decreased slightly on M.H. Del Pilar Street after passenger jeepneys bound for Mangaldan, Manaoag, Mapandan, San Jacinto, and San Fabian were rerouted to the PNR Road.

The rerouting followed a series of dry runs conducted over the weekend to ensure drivers adjust smoothly to the change.

“Mas maganda dito ma’am kasi pag doon, iikot pa kami. Lalong matraffic jan po dumadaan lahat ng mga pampasaherong jeep jan eh,” Benjie Seraon, a driver, said.

POSO Chief Officer Arvin Decano explained that authorities implemented the new route gradually to inform drivers and manage traffic flow properly.

“Nag-dry run noong Sabado. In-implement noong Linggo, then kahapon dinryrun ulit namin para sa ngayon ay malalaman na lahat ng driver ng Mangaldan, San Jacinto, Manaoag, San Fabian, na doon po ang daan nila,” he said.

However, some drivers noted that not all passengers are aware of the route change yet, resulting in fewer commuters, for now.

“Yung mga pasahero nagkakahiwa-hiwalay na kasi umpisa di pa nila alam, pero pag natagal, masasanay din,” Rosendo Moyano, another driver, said.

To support the transition, traffic enforcers remain deployed along PNR Road and intersections nearby. Decano said the rerouting is also meant to reduce congestion in long-problem areas of the city.

“Sa ngayon ay malalaman na lahat ng mga Mangaldan na doon na po ang daan nila para ang Post 1 ay makahinga, kasi sa M.H. Del Pilar, laging grabe ang traffic,” he added.

Authorities advised motorists and commuters to expect adjustments in the coming days as the new traffic scheme is fully enforced.