The ongoing drainage canal construction along A.B. Fernandez East in Dagupan City has forced authorities to close PNR Road, affecting public transport routes and causing inconvenience for jeepney drivers.

Due to the closure, the Public Order and Safety Office (POSO) implemented a traffic rerouting scheme.

POSO diverted jeepneys bound for Mangaldan, San Fabian, San Jacinto, Mapandan, and Manaoag.

From Perez Boulevard, jeepneys now turn right at PNR Road and exit via Sta. Maria Road.

“Binaklas na ang drainage doon sa may PNR kaya diverted na ang mga sasakyan,” Rexon De Vera, Assistant POSO Chief of Dagupan City, said.

Jeepney drivers like Oscar Cerdan expressed frustration over the new route.

He said the narrow streets of Sta. Maria Road make it difficult for them to drive.

“Pahirapan ang biyahe namin kasi masikip talaga ang daan,” Cerdan added.

“Dito masikip talaga ang daan, dapat doon din kami dadaan para pareho lang,” Nelson Orbe, another jeepney driver, said.

Orbe suggested they be allowed to use the modernized jeepney route along M.H. Del Pilar and A.B. Fernandez East.

POSO said they will review the drivers' request to adjust routes, but for now, they urge them to be patient.

“May kahirapan po talaga pero i-ga-guide naman po namin sila,” De Vera said.

Authorities ask for the public’s cooperation. They said once the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) completes the roadwork, travel conditions will improve for all motorists.