CEBU, Philippines — The groundbreaking for the fourth Cebu-Mactan Bridge is set before President Rodrigo Duterte’s term ends next year, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Mark Villar said.
Villar, who was in Cebu Friday to check on several infrastructure projects including the third bridge, said talks on fourth bridge, which will connect the Mandaue City Coastal Road (MCCR) to the Lapu-Lapu City’s Airport road, are ongoing with the Japan International Cooperation Agency.
The studies conducted for the fourth bridge needs to be done before DPWH can start the P76-billion project.
The estimated project cost will be funded by a JICA loan.
Villar said the project’s actual cost could only be determined once the feasibility studies are completed.
He said he already instructed the regional DPWH to fast-track the project.
The bridge project also includes a coastal highway.
At present, the DPWH is facing delays in the feasibility studies because the Lapu-lapu City government recently objected to the proposed landing at the Airport Road, preferring the bridge to land at the Mactan Circumferential Road (MCR).
The Regional Development Council in Central Visayas in Central Visayas already appealed to the city to reconsider their choice of landing as it would only increase the cost of the project.
Mambaling underpass
Meanwhile, DPWH is looking into solving the flooding issues on N. Bacalso Avenue, particularly near the multi-million peso Mambaling underpass in the south district of Cebu City, which ironically was envisioned to solve that problem in the area.
Villar also ordered the regional office to address the flooding there.
He admitted getting mad at DPWH-7 Director Edgar Tabacon when he learned about the flooding dilemma in the tunnel and its surrounding area.
“Siyempre ano, nagalit ako sa regional director sinabi ko kailangan nilang ayusin yan sa lalong madaling panahon,” said Villar.
He said they have discussed the issue and they are already doing some interventions.
Last Holy Wednesday, the underpass was flooded and impassable for hours after a downpour, resulting in traffic gridlocks on the main highway.
The DPWH-7 spent nearly P700 million on the construction of the underpass through the efforts of Rep. Rodrigo Abellanosa (Cebu City South District).
The construction started in 2016 and it was completed three years later.
On the other hand, Villar said the road widening along the Mambaling underpass to accommodate another lane is likely to be completed before the year ends.
DPWH hopes to complete the widening project along N. Bacalso Avenue as it is also important in the implementation of the city’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT).
“This year, kailangan talaga matapos na yan (widening project) this year,” added Villar. — Sly Anthonette E.Baseo, CNU Intern, KQD (FREEMAN)