Bridge repair to start once traffic issues are ironed out

CEBU, Philippines - Repair works for the Mandaue-Mactan Bridge will begin only after the Department of Public Works and Highways-7 has ironed out traffic-related concerns with the Mandaue City government.

DPWH-7 information officer Marie Nillama said their agency’s representative have yet to meet with Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes on the matter.

“I-settle pa kung unsang orasa i-close ug open ang bridge from Mandaue to Lapu-Lapu and vice versa kay one lane at a time ra ang sirad-an. Di gyud i-totally close ang bridge,” Nillama said.

The P129 million allotted for the repair works includes budget for obtaining a road right of way from those residents who will be affected by the proposed detour to be implemented near the bridge, particularly on the Mandaue City side.

The repair works will involve expanding the bridge expansion joints and applying anti-corrosive paints on the structure.

The Mandaue-Mactan Bridge was supposed to undergo repair last August but the plan was stalled due to Cebu’s hosting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Conference meetings from August 29 to September 8.

The repair was then rescheduled to November but it did not push through again due to the Lapu-Lapu City fiesta last November 19 to 20.

“It’s long overdue na gyud ning bridge repair,” Nillama said, adding that the project is scheduled to be finished within 10 months.

“Medyo dugay-dugay gyud mahuman kay ukbon man gud na ang semento sa bridge kay butangan og additional nga kabilya,” Nillama said.

When asked if the bridge is still safe for use among motorists, Nillama said: “Yes, safe na ang bridge. Kay it underwent a series of refurbishments in the past.”

The repair of the Mandaue-Mactan Bridge and widening of its approaches are part of DPWH’s 11 proposed “High Standard Highway Networks in Cebu.”

The other highway network projects are the extension of Cebu Coastal Road up to Liloan, construction of Cebu Hillside Road and its connector road and Cebu South Roads and Coastal Road, widening of Cebu North Road and construction of Cebu North Plaridel Road, widening of Cebu South Road from Naga to Carcar and construction of Cebu South Parallel Road, improvement of Mactan Circumferential Road, and construction of third bridge and its approaches.  (FREEMAN)