DPWH backs ramp, road widening

CEBU, Philippines — A project from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is in the pipeline aimed to complement the Guadalupe ramp of the Cebu Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX).

According to City Planner, Archt. Joseph Michael  Yumi  Espina through the City s Sugboanon channel, DPWH has committed to widen Tres de Abril street that would connect to V. Rama Ave. at N. Bacalso Ave. junction.

DPWH accordingly is on the parcellary stage of its study on the national road that its previous head, Engr. Yusoph Rasuman started, and is now continued by district engineer Ramon Devanadera.

The city government is closely working with CCLEX for the realization of the Guadalupe ramp, which is an extension of the third bridge, giving motorists from Brgys Guadalupe and Labangon easier access to the bridge.

Cebu Cordova Link Expressway Corporation (CCLEC) president and general manager Engr. Allan Alfon said they will be adopting a cantilever design to support the ramp.

A cantilever beam is described as a structural element that extends horizontally and is supported on only at one end.

Further, the flow in the Guadalupe river will reportedly not be impeded as the posts of the ramp will stand beyond the three-meter easement.

Alfon also disclosed that the carriageway of the ramp will be 30-meters wide, with two lanes at each side, with additional spaces for the bike lane and sidewalk.

A boardwalk will also be set-up under the ramp along the easement, as well as a linear park like a promenade, plus pocket parks and medium-rise housing buildings for socialized housing along the way.

At least three barangays have been identified as sites for the ramp landing and posts will be built Brgys. Pahina San Nicolas, Pasil and Ermita.

Public hearings in the said barangays have reportedly been done, with residents in those areas described as  receptive  to the idea.

Officials have also assured that only a few structures will be affected in the erection of the series of single posts beside the riverbank that will support the ramp that will cross over the river.

Transition housing will be made available for the affected dwellers to move-in. The same will subsequently move into the medium-rise buildings for socialized housing of the city government.

They were very receptive because we explained to them the totality of this project,  Archt. Espina said.

Residents were also explained of the impact of the project to the city s economy, primarily in terms of traffic.  — /ATO (FREEMAN)