WITH two bridges connecting Cebu mainland to Lapu-Lapu city, traffic volume is expected to be increase in the first Mandaue-Mactan bridge once repairs start June 4 in the parallel Marcelo Fernan Bridge.
The option of using the “old bridge” to get to and from the Macatan Cebu International Airport was emphasized by Lapu-Lapu City administrator Teodulo Ybañez.
He said motorists from Cebu mainland can pass by the corner of Petron gas station in barangay Pajo, Lapu-Lapu city then to sitio Matumbo in barangay Pusok, then to the airport road in the corner of the Island Souvenir shop.
Bridge repairs will close one lane of the four-lane Fernan bridge at a time until August 30.
Public works officals have advised the public to plan their trips ahead and give a two-hour leeway.
“To avoid more delays, motorists can have the alternate route in Matumbo road (barangay Pusok), going to the airport,” said Ybañez.
There’s no rerouting planned in Mandaue City, but a no- stopping rule for vehicles will be strictly enforced at the foot of the Fernan bridge, said Edwin Ermac, chief of the Traffic Enforcement Agency of Mandaue City (Team).
The first three phases of the six-stage Fernan bridge repair will close one of the lanes for traffic flowing from Lapu-Lapu City to Mandaue City.
In the next stages, said Ybañez, they will close one of two lanes at a time in the Mandaue City to Lapu-Lapu City direction. (Refer to table)
Ybañez also said they have made necessary preparations for the Ironman triathlon event on Aug. 5.
They requested officials of the Mactan Benito Ebeun Airbase to allow vehicles from the MCIA to use the exit gate of the airbase.
Ermac said the third phase is the most critical part for traffic especially if a vehicle breaks down on the bridge.
Ermac is recommending that they destroy portions of the bridge’s center island for detour.
Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu City traffic enforcers will help DPWH manage vehicle flow during the 88-day repair period. /with reports from Norman V. Mendoza and Jessa J. Agua