15 Things To Know About the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX)

With worsening traffic conditions in Metro Cebu, there really is a need to not only upgrade our local infrastructure but also to come up with ways to improve our road conditions. One of these ‘solutions’ is the building of a third bridge between Mactan and mainland Cebu. Based on the plan, the third bridge, called Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway or CCLEX, will take vehicles from Cebu City straight to Mactan without having to pass through Mandaue City.

 

 

 

This plan was once just a concept. Today, however, it has become a reality. In fact, the construction of the third bridge is actually now in full swing. And very soon, we will be finding out whether or not this was the solution that we have been waiting for.

While that time is yet to come, however, take a look at some important facts that you should know about this massive, game-changing development in Cebu. Ready?

The Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) is 8.5 KM Long

The main bridge is actually just one of the many components of the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway. The CCLEX is actually 8.6 kilometers long and consists of the main navigation span twin pylon cable-stayed bridge, a causeway, viaduct approach bridges, on and off ramps, four small bridges, a toll plaza, and an at-grade road connecting to the Mactan Circumferential Road.

The CCLEX 51 Meters High

The span and height of the main bridge of the CCLEX will be 51 meters. This means that the main bridge will be high enough to allow even very large marine vessels to freely and safely pass underneath.

1,871 Personnel

To date, a total of 1,871 highly-skilled and well-trained men and women have been fielded for and are working tirelessly day and night on the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) project.

MPTC’s First Project Outside Luzon

CCLEX is a project of the Cebu Cordova Link Expressway Corporation (CCLEC) which is a subsidiary company of the Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC). CCLEX is MPTC’s first expressway project outside Luzon. The toll road developer currently owns, manages, and operates the NLEX, SCTEX, and the CAVITEX.

2017 Groundbreaking

The Cebu Cordova Link Expressway Corporation (CCLEC) officially broke ground on the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) project on March 2, 2017. The historic event was led by none other than Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.

Cebu Link Joint Venture

The Cebu Cordova Link Expressway Corporation (CCLEC) awarded the ‘Design and Build’ contract for the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) project to Cebu Link Joint Venture (CLJV) on December 19, 2017. CLJV is a consortium of Spanish company Acciona Construccion S.A. and Filipino companies First Balfour and D.M. Consunji, Inc.

COWI-DCCD

The Cebu Cordova Link Expressway Corporation has tapped COWI A/S of Denmark as the project’s technical advisor/owner’s engineer. Filipino company DCCD Engineering Corporation will act as COWI A/S’s sub-consultant. Norconsult from Norway is the project’s independent consultant.

Will Remain Open

According to COWI-DCCD Project Manager Robert Uthwatt, the CCLEX will be employing advanced engineering methods during the construction of the main bridge above the navigational water. In short, marine traffic at the Mactan Channel will continue as usual during the construction of the main bridge.

Decongest Traffic

The CCLEX is expected to serve at least 50,000 vehicles on a daily basis. For this reason, the project is seen to have two effects. First, it will decongest the traffic in the first and second Mactan bridges. Second, it will provide a much faster link between mainland Cebu and the island of Mactan.

On and Off Ramps Now Taking Shape

Aside from the two main piers of the main bridge, the on and off ramps are now also taking shape. These ramps are the ‘access’ roads parallel to the viaduct at the SRP where vehicles can ‘exit’ to drive towards or off the main bridge of the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX).

Four Lanes

The CCLEX is designed to have two lanes in each direction. In other words, the entire stretch of the massive development will have a total of four lanes.

Design Speed of 60 to 80 kph

The bridge has a design speed of 60 to 80 kilometers per hour (kph). According to Cebu Cordova Link Expressway Corporation (CCLEC) President and General Manager Allan G. Alfon, safety and driving guidelines will be strictly implemented and observed at the CCLEX.

47.32% complete

The CCLEX project is now 47.32% complete. Began on January 8, 2018, the construction of the project, which is now almost halfway through, has been ongoing for more than 700 days.

4 Lighted Crosses

The CCLEX is expected to become an icon not only because of its length but also because of its iconic features. In fact, some of the noteworthy features of the project include the lighted crosses on all four sides of the two main pylons.

The Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) Will be Completed in 2021

Finally, the construction of the CCLEX is expected to end less than two years from now, in 2021. To be exact, the scheduled finish date is August 7, 2021 – a full 1,308 days from the commencement date.

Watch these videos of the CCLEX:

RELATED READ: CCLEX Site Visit by My Cebu Photo Blog

So what do you think about the CCLEX? Are you excited about this multi-billion development? Let us know in the comments below!