Keep bridge lanes open, DPWH urged

EVEN with the ongoing phase 3 of the expansion joint repairs on the Marcelo Fernan bridge, travel to and from the Mactan-Cebu International Airport remains normal, airport officials said.

MCIA information officer Mary Ann Dimabayao, said they prefer that two lanes, not one lane as earlier reported, heading to Lapu-Lapu City be kept open while bridge joint repairs are being done.

“We would really appreciate that two lanes be used in going to Lapu-Lapu city,” Dimabayao said in a text message  to Cebu Daily News.

She credited public announcements for raising public awareness about the bridge joint repairs.

MCIA manager Engr. Paul Villarete earlier asked the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 6th district to allow one counterflow lane in the Mandaue-bound part of the bridge to ensure smooth traffic flow.

Alexander Derelon, one of two traffic enforcers guiding vehicles traveling the innermost lane of the bridge headed to Lapu-Lapu City, said traffic was slow since most vehicles scramble to enter the lane.

A cordon  is placed 30 meters before the foot of the bridge to remind motorists of  repairs on the expansion joints on the outermost lane.

The Traffic Enforcement Agency of Mandaue (Team) called on the public to follow directional signs to avoid accidents.

The DPWH sixth district said it is hopeful that the third phase repair of the expansion joints on the bridge will be finished in a week. Correspondents Jessa J.  Agua and Fe Marie D. Dumaboc