The Cebu Cordova Link Expressway makes traveling between islands much easier.
For many years, traveling to and from Cebu City and Cordova was made possible through the two Mactan-Mandaue bridges. Thousands of vehicles pass by these bridges every day. But despite having two bridges that connect Cebu City to Lapu-Lapu City, motorists continue to encounter extreme traffic congestion on a daily basis.
This makes crossing over either bridge rather unpleasant.
In 2022, Cebu’s newest and biggest infrastructure project, the Cebu Cordova Link Expressway (also known as CCLEX), aims to alleviate this issue.
The CCLEX directly connects Cebu to Cordova, providing locals and tourists more travel opportunities to get to the municipality, and decongesting traffic from the first two bridges.
This new bridge is also expected to cut travel time going to Mactan Island down to less than an hour, making traveling to the island much more convenient.
The four lanes can help around 50,000 vehicles cross over to the other island through Cebu South Road Properties.
It stands 51 meters above the Mactan Channel and is 8.5 kilometers long, making it the longest bridge in Cebu.
Similar to the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) in Luzon, this will follow a toll system, with improved RFID (radio frequency identification) for smoother transactions.
Once accessible, the CCLEX will be considered the longest bridge in Cebu.
Motion sensors will be set up to detect overloaded vehicles, with CCTV cameras to monitor traffic and road incidents.
Drivers can also make a quick stop at gasoline stations, convenience stores, and other establishments that are set to open along the Cebu Cordova Link Expressway.
Aside from the benefits in terms of transportation, this is also something that many Cebuanos will be proud of. Since it is the longest bridge in the Philippines, many locals will feel proud to say that an architectural marvel like this can be found in their hometown.
Many motorists will definitely find time to take photos and snap selfies of their first trip passing by the bridge.
EASIER TRAVEL
Cordova hotspots like Lantaw Floating Restaurant and 10,000 Roses Cafe are highly regarded for their relaxing ambiance and calm atmosphere.
However, residents are forced to traverse the long winding roads of Lapu-Lapu City just to experience the island’s magnificent sights and sounds.
CCLEX offers a more direct route going there, while the RFID system offers a smoother and more organized entry.
Only registered vehicles are allowed to use the bridge, limiting the number of drivers, thus reducing traffic along the road.
REDUCE TRAFFIC
About 40 to 70,000 vehicles cross the Marcelo B. Fernan bridge every day. Regardless of the mode of transportation, both lanes are always busy, resulting in traffic jams that can last for hours.
CCLEX makes it easier for those living near the South too since they will no longer need to pass by Mandaue City to get to Mactan Island.
There has been no announcement about whether public transportation is allowed to use the CCLEX, but we might see buses in the future as they are part of the Class B vehicle category.
CCLEX will be the third bridge connecting Cebu City to Cordova.
CEBU CORDOVA LINK EXPRESSWAY TOLL FEES
CLASS A (Private Vehicles and SUVs) – ₱85
CLASS B (Bigger Vehicles like Buses) – ₱160
CLASS C (Big Trucks) – ₱300
Bikes – Free
A toll fee for motorcycles is yet to be announced, but lightweight bikes (below 400cc engines) are said to cost more since the bridge was designed for bigger vehicles.
Travelers can have their RFID installed at SM Seaside, Il Corso Lifestyle Malls, or Robinsons Galleria.
Though we are yet to see the results, the Cebu Cordova Link Expressway is a promising attraction that will help boost tourism in Cebu City and Cordova. Now that both islands are more accessible, traveling around Cebu will be less taxing and more convenient.
