Traffic concerns delay Fernan bridge repairs

An official of the Department of Public Works and Highways admitted lapses in coordinating with authorities in Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu cities in scheduling the repairs on the 12-year-old Marcelo Fernan Bridge.

Objections from Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes and Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza prompted the 6th Engineering District of DPWH- 7 to postpone commencement bridge repairs last May 2.

Engineer Santiago Suico of the 6th district apologized to the officials yesterday for lapses in coordination.

Suico said a newly formed Technical Working Group (TWG) under the Mactan-Cebu Bridge Management Board (MCBMB) will have to finish its work particularly on how traffic will be managed while the bridge is undergoing repair.

Suico said that while the bridge is structurally sound, there is an urgent need to repair 16 of its 18 “expansion joints” that are severely damaged by wear and tear.

The bridge retrofitting, which costs about P25 million, will replace rubber joints with metal expansion joints imported from South Korea.

Suico said the TWG will be composed of traffic managers of Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu cities, the DPWH and Mactan Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) General Manager Nigel Paul Villarete.

Suico said he hopes the TWG finishes its work soon so repairs can start “because if repairs are further delayed, it may cause accidents./Correspondent Norman V. Mendoza, Fe Marie D. Dumaboc