Five choices for a bridge officials review third Mactan link routes

CEBU, Philippines – The five alternative routes identified in the previous Infrastructure Development Institute study as possible site of the proposed third Mactan bridge has been given further scrutiny by local officials, public and private stakeholders.

The five proposed routes include those from South Reclamation Project in Cebu City passing Shell Island to Cordova town; three from Mandaue City to Barangay Ibo, Lapu-Lapu City and one from Cansaga Bridge in Consolacion side to Lapu-Lapu City.

Members of the Metro Cebu Development and Coordinating Board, in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency, designated Japan-based Almec Corporation Oriental Consultants Co. Ltd. to conduct further review of the previous study.

The proposed construction of third Mactan link was included in the "Roadmap Study for Sustainable Urban Development in Metro Cebu."

During the recently-concluded third quarter meeting of the Metro Cebu Development Coordinating Board, the construction of the proposed third Mactan bridge was highlighted in the discussion.

In an interview, Cordova Mayor Adelino Sitoy said a private group is interested to construct a bridge from South Reclamation Project in Cebu City passing Shell Island up to Cordova.

The construction of the third Mactan bridge passing Cordova town, according to Mayor Sitoy, will be a big contribution to the economic development of the town.

Sitoy said the realization of the bridge will attract investors to put up investments in Cordova.

Based on the MCDCB report, a private toll operator shows interest to construct and operate bridge only.

Some MCDCB officials told The FREEMAN that the group interested in constructing the third bridge from Cebu City to Cordova town includes renowned Filipino businessman Manny Pangilinan.

The initial study shows that if the third Mactan bridge project will push through from Cebu City to Cordova town, a total of 280 houses and 20 buildings can be affected at Cebu City side and 30 houses and three buildings at Cordova side.

A mangrove habitation located near Cordova may also be potentially affected.

If the bridge will be built from Mandaue City to Lapu-Lapu City, a total of 110 houses and 10 factories will be affected from Mandaue side and 40 houses and two offices from the other side.

Experts also disclosed that one of the easy alternatives in addressing the traffic problem from Lapu-Lapu City mainland, especially traffic coming from Mactan-International Airport towards Cebu City, is to place an additional two-lane bridge to the existing bridges.

The proposed international port eyed in Consolacion town with the proposed bridge is deemed helpful in making access to Mactan Island.

Most of the cargoes at the Cebu International Port are also intended for big companies inside at the Mactan Export Zone.

Meanwhile, representatives from Almec Corporation assured members of the MCDCB they can complete the study by early next year.