CCTO welcomes decision to move demolition of skywalks to later date

CEBU, Philippines —  There will be no road closures just yet following the suspension of the demolition of the two skywalks along the stretch of Osmeña Boulevard that will be affected by the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT) project.

In a press conference yesterday, Dec. 8, 2024, Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) head Raquel Arce welcomed the postponement of the demolition as this will help obtain free-flowing traffic during the Christmas season.

It was reported after a multi-sectoral meeting last Monday that the skywalks along Osmeña Boulevard will be demolished on December 7 or 8, 2023 which also corresponds to total road closures for at least ten days.

Last Dec. 7, 2023, the skywalk fronting Cebu Normal University (CNU) was already closed since the removal of the roofing has already begun, according to CBRT Manager Norvin Imbong.

But the demolition was halted as ordered by the "executive department" of the Cebu City government.

“It is good news para namo sa CCTO, kay adunay giingon tang pag postpone sa clearing operations or sa demolition of the skywalks so walay kasiguroan kung mahinayon, dili pa sad nato certained kung kanus-a,” said Arce.

She added though that they will continue to prepare for the traffic plan.

Councilor Jerry Guardo, Chairman of the City Council Committee of Infrastructure, previously told The Freeman that the city has set a coordination meeting next week to better prepare for the demolition.

“At least it is properly coordinated. I think that is the important thing that prior to the scheduled demolition, gi-invite sad ang contractor, apil na consultants nila, so it can be discussed thoroughly in coordination with the different department heads,” he said last Wednesday night.

“Kay kato man gung pirmiro (nga schedule) that was only a tentative one,” added Guardo.

As far as traffic flow is concerned, Arce said they have already prepared the diversion routes.

“So positive on our side because we are in the peak of Christmas season so kung i-disturbo na dira (Osmeña Boulevard) challenge jud sya,” said Arce.

In a text message to The Freeman, Imbong said they will wait for the result of the meeting next week in which final instructions will be made by the Cebu City Administrator.

Asked if the further delays of the demolition will affect the CRBT project as a whole, Imbong said it won’t impact their civil works that much.

“Gamay raman effect...mas lisod ang drainage for the board ups will need closure of one lane,” he said.

As of this writing, the skywalks were opened to the public again. (CEBU NEWS)