Cebu–Cordova Link Expressway

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"CCLEX" redirects here. Not to be confused with CLLEX.

Cebu–Cordova Link Expressway
Cebu–Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX).jpg
Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway, under construction in October 2021
CrossesMactan Channel
LocaleMetro Cebu
Official nameCebu–Cordova Link Expressway
Other name(s)Cebu–Cordova Bridge
Sto. Niño Bridge[1]
OwnerCebu-Cordova Link Expressway Corporation
Maintained byCebu-Cordova Link Expressway Corporation
Websitecclex.com.ph
Characteristics
DesignCable-stayed bridge
Total length8,900 m (29,199 ft) 8.9 km (5.5 mi)[2]
Width27 m (89 ft)
Height145 m (476 ft)
Traversable?Yes
Longest span390 m (1,280 ft)
Clearance below51 m (167 ft)
No. of lanes4
History
ArchitectDissing+Weitling Architecture – Conceptual Design
DesignerSENER Ingenieria y Sistemas & Carlos Fernandez Casado (SENER-CFC JV)
Engineering design bySENER Ingenieria y Sistemas & Carlos Fernandez Casado (SENER-CFC JV)
Constructed byCebu Link Joint Venture (ACCIONA-FB-DMCI JV)
Construction cost₱30 billion
Opening2022
Statistics
Daily trafficat least 40,000 (projected)
TollYes

The Cebu–Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX), also known as the Cebu–Cordova Bridge, is a 8.9 km (5.5 mi) toll bridge expressway under construction in Metro Cebu which will link Cebu City and Cordova, Cebu. It is the 3rd link between Cebu and Mactan Islands. Once finished, it will become the longest bridge in the Philippines surpassing the Candaba Viaduct of North Luzon Expressway in Luzon, while also surpassing the Marcelo Fernan Bridge (which also crosses the Mactan Channel) as the longest cable-stayed bridge in the Philippines.

History[]

Planning[]

The bridge was first proposed by Cordova mayor Adelino Sitoy, to connect his municipality and mainland Cebu in Cebu City. After numerous studies conducted, the local government units of Cordova and Cebu City entered into a public-private partnership with Metro Pacific Tollways Development Corp. (MPTDC).[3] The construction of the Cebu-Cordova bridge was lobbied by then chairman of the Regional Development Council of Region VII Michael Rama, who became Mayor of Cebu City when the Cebu–Cordova Bridge project was already awarded to a company.[4]

In January 2016, the Metro Pacific Tollways Development Corp. (MPTDC), through a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, announced that the construction of the bridge was to commence in 2017. The company in the same announcement said that they will be responsible for the construction and financing of the bridge, as well as its operation once its completed.[4]

Construction[]

The groundbreaking ceremony for the Cebu–Cordova Bridge was held on March 2, 2017. The expressway was the first venture of the MPTDC outside of Luzon.[5]

In 2021, the bridge played a role in the 2021 Quincentennial Commemorations in the Philippines.[6] As part of the commemorations, eight ecumenical "Iconic Crosses" were placed on the two main pylons of the bridge. The crosses were lighted on April 15, 2021.[7][8]

The final concrete pouring in the main bridge deck was held on October 5, 2021, effectively completing the main bridge deck. The entire expressway is expected to be completed in December 2021, with opening slated for the first quarter of 2022.[9]

As of October 31, 2021, the bridge is 87.14% complete.[9]

Operation[]

CCLEX will be managed by Metro Pacific Tollways Development Corporation.[4]

Design[]

Site where the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway will be built.

The bridge will span 8.9 kilometers (5.5 mi) and will be the longest and tallest bridge in the Philippines, surpassing the San Juanico Bridge in Leyte and Samar and the Candaba Viaduct in NLEX. It is to be designed by the Spanish firms Carlos Fernandez Casado (CFC) and SENER Ingeniería y Sistemas, while the local firm DCCD Engineering Corp and the Danish firm COWI will be the owner's Engineer. The bridge is being built by a joint venture between Spanish firm ACCIONA, and Philippine firms First Balfour and DMCI Connecting Cebu City and Cordova, the 27-meter-wide (89 ft) bridge is meant to serve an alternate route serving the Mactan Cebu International Airport, serving at least 40,000 vehicles daily.[6]

The 390-meter-long (1,280 ft) main span of the CCLEX will be cable-stayed and will be supported by 145-meter-high (476 ft) twin tower pylons. The design of the pylons were inspired from the historic Magellan's Cross. The main span will have a 51 meters (167 ft)[10] navigation clearance, which allow ships to traverse the bridge. Viaduct approach bridges and a causeway will also form part of the CCLEX, as well as toll road facilities on an artificial island. The toll facilities' design are inspired from the eight-rayed sun of the Philippine flag.[6]

Extension[]

The expressway is planned to be extended to Lapu-Lapu City and have a direct connection to the Mactan-Cebu International Airport. The planned extension will add 5 to 8 kilometers (3.1 to 5.0 mi) to the expressway, and will cost ₱10 billion to ₱15 billion.[11]

References[]

  1. ^ Belleza, Kier Edison C. (December 15, 2017). "Naming new bridge after Sto. Nino pushed". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved December 18, 2017.
  2. ^ "Cyclists allowed to cross third bridge for free". SunStar. September 23, 2021. Retrieved September 23, 2021. CCLEX had an original length of 8.5 kilometers, but they decided to extend this up to 8.9 kilometers or an extension before the entry from Cordova to Cebu City.
  3. ^ "Review on 3rd bridge almost done". SunStar Cebu. October 20, 2014. Retrieved September 19, 2021.
  4. ^ a b c Baquero, Elias (January 6, 2016). "Cebu-Cordova Bridge to be built next year". Sun Star Cebu. Retrieved March 11, 2017.
  5. ^ Palaubsano, Mitchelle (March 3, 2017). "Rody leads groundbreaking of Cebu-Cordova bridge". The Philippine Star, Freeman. Retrieved March 11, 2017.
  6. ^ a b c "Cebu-Cordova Link". Dissing+Weitling Architecture. Archived from the original on April 21, 2017. Retrieved March 11, 2017.
  7. ^ Letigio, Delta (March 12, 2021). "Iconic crosses in Third Bridge will be lighted on April 15". Cebu Daily News. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
  8. ^ "8 crosses light up CCLEX". ph.news.yahoo.com. April 15, 2021. Retrieved April 16, 2021.
  9. ^ a b Rodriguez, Mia (October 27, 2021). "The Massive Cebu-Cordova Bridge Gears Up for a 2022 Opening". spot.ph. Retrieved October 28, 2021 – via msn.com.
  10. ^ "About CCLEX - Cebu–Cordova Link Expressway". Cebu Cordova Link Expressway Corp. Retrieved October 24, 2019.
  11. ^ Mercurio, Richmond (November 17, 2021). "MPTC open to team up with other parties for CCLEX extension". The Philippine Star. Retrieved November 17, 2021.
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