Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX): The Rise of an Icon

About three weeks ago, I got an invite to join a press briefing for the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) project. As expected, I said yes right away. I didn’t think twice because I knew that not everyone will be given this kind of opportunity. I also knew that it would be great to have direct access to this development as I have a lot of friends and readers who also find the project very interesting.

So, fast-forward to December 5, I was finally able to take a good look at the ongoing CCLEX project – a multi-billion dollar project that would connect the Municipality of Cordova and the City of Cebu via the South Road Properties. The 8.5 km development will consist of the main bridge, a causeway, a viaduct, on and off ramps, and 4 small bridges.

OFFICIAL RENDERS

Main span at daytime with a view of the SRP viaduct and Shell Island

Main span at night with the illuminated crosses atop T1 and T2

Main span and the on and off ramps for vehicles going to or leaving Cordova

Envisioned to not only help decongest traffic in the two existing bridges (First Mactan Bridge and Marcelo Fernan Bridge) but also to help improve productivity through efficient mobility, the CCLEX is expected to help spur economic activities, generate more jobs, and provide new investments in the region.

According to Cebu Cordova Link Expressway Corporation (CCLEC) President and General Manager Allan Alfon, the CCLEX is now 47.32% complete. Began on January 8, 2018, the construction of the CCLEX has been ongoing for a little more than 700 days. Construction is scheduled to end on August 7, 2021 – a full 1,308 days from the project’s commencement date.

SITE TOUR

Before the start of the site tour, a short briefing was held at the Cebu Link Joint Venture (CLJV) office at the South Road Properties. During the briefing, Cebu Cordova Link Expressway Corporation (CCLEC) President and General Manager Allan Alfon gave the members of the local media some project updates.

COWI-DCCD Project Manager Robert Uthwatt then gave those who were joining the tour an idea about what to expect (and what to do) during the site visit.

After the briefing, everyone was asked to board the speedboats docked near the Campania Maritima (behind the Cebu City Hall building). I decided to board the one where Mr. Uthwatt was because I knew that he would be talking during the boat ride.

First, we checked the scenes from underneath the SRP viaduct. From where we were, we could already see the gigantic pillars protruding from the water and supporting the on and off ramps which are taking shape right next to the existing structure.

Here is a view of another speedboat (filled with media men and women) docked near the famous welcome sign at the SRP.

Then, the speedboats crossed the Mactan Channel and settled near the jetty of Shell Island. The Southern end of the Shell Island now serves as a ‘base camp’ for workers working on T2 (Tower 2) which stands on the side of Cordova.

Once we were off the boats, we were finally able to have a good look at the development on the other side. That’s the main SRP Viaduct with pillars (protruding from the water) which will serve as the piers of the on and off ramps.

This is a shot of T1 or Tower 1. This is the main pillar which will hold the central span of the bridge together with T2. This one is located near the Pasil Fishport area.

This is how T2 looks from below. Construction is in full swing.

The crew is now working on the platform where the main span will ‘built on.’ When asked if we could climb all the way up, Mr. Uthwatt said that we were not allowed to go up for safety reasons.

Mr. Uthwatt explained that they will be employing special techniques to make the construction of the main span possible even without closing sea traffic underneath.

Mr. Uthwatt also pointed out that they will be building a quality bridge which is not only sturdy but also very reliable.

This is a shot of the base of the smaller towers which will be holding the approaches and the viaduct in place.

Mr. Uthwatt is surrounded by news reporters from various local TV and radio stations for a brief question and answer.

Here is a shot of the press men and women boarding the speedboats which would take them back to the jetty at the SRP.

On our ride back to the CLJV office, I was able to take a snap of T1. This is how Tower 1 looks like from the SRP viaduct.

OFFICIAL UPDATE PHOTOS

During the press briefing, we were also given official update photos that we could share with out readers. I am sharing with you guys now some amazing shots of the CCLEX project as of November 2019.