Cebu-Cordova bridge almost done

CEBU, Philippines —  The 8.5-kilometer third bridge connecting the islands of Mactan and mainland Cebu is almost complete and is on track for its completion by the end of this year.

The Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) project is already 80 percent done.

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Mark Villar said the toll bridge expressway is likely to be operational by March next year.

Following his visit yesterday, Villar was pleased with the project development amid the pandemic.

“Maganda naman po ang progress. Mabilis ang construction and very soon mapapakinabangan na natin ito, which is isa sa pinakamahaba at pinakamataas na bridge sa Pilipinas,” he said.

The last time the DPWH chief visited the site was three years ago.

Once completed, it will be the longest bridge-way structure in the country.

The bridge is expected to serve at least 40,000 vehicles daily and will give Cordova direct access to Cebu City, decongesting the traffic in the two existing bridges between Mactan and Cebu. It will be using an all-electronic toll system to enable faster traffic flow and seamless travel.

According to the CCLEX Facebook page, there is only one span left before the Cordova viaduct will be connected to the CCLEX main bridge.

“Once the final six girders are positioned, the construction of the deck will follow and the Cordova viaduct will be structurally complete,” read its post Thursday.

Allan Alfon, president and general manager of the Cebu Cordova Link Expressway Corporation (CCLEC), thanked DPWH for being “a reliable partner during the construction.”

“This inspection is also an opportunity for us to thank the DPWH for being a reliable partner during the construction, particularly in observing safety standards at the CSCR (Cebu South Coastal Road) and ensuring better access to the project site at the Mactan side,” he said.

The P30-billion CCLEX is a project of the CCLEC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation, in partnership with the City of Cebu and the Municipality of Cordova.

Moreover, Villar also visited the DPWH’s road widening of the Mactan Circumferential road in Babag 2, Lapu-Lapu City and Pilipog, Cordova.

“We are putting priority on the completion of a remaining section of the ongoing Gabi-Pilipog coastal highway, also in Cordova.”

“This section will significantly help improve the road network on Mactan Island, especially the accessibility between the Mactan-Cebu International Airport and the Cordova Coastal Highway,” said Villar.

Prior to his site inspection, Villar led the inauguration of the Metro Cebu Bike Lanes together with officials from the Department of Transportation. — Sly Anthonette E.Baseo, CNU Intern, KQD (FREEMAN)