Consortium bags R22.6-billion Cebu-Cordova bridge project

CEBU CITY — The much-anticipated bridge project that will link mainland Cebu to Cordova town in Mactan island nears realization as the Cebu Link Joint Venture (CLJV) was awarded the “design and build” contract of the 8.5kilometer structure.

CLJV is a construction and engineering consortium composed of Spain-based Acciona Construccion S. A.; Philippine-based First Balfour Inc.; and D. M. Consunji Inc.

In a statement Monday, Cebu Cordova Link Expressway Corporation (CCLEC) said they issued the Notice of Award last November 23 at an agreed contract amount of 122.6 billion.

To be named Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX), the province’s third bridge will serve as an alternate route in going to and from the MactanCebu International Airport.

“We are delighted to be part of this landmark project. We have put together a very experienced team, and are looking forward to working closely together with the customer to deliver a new toll bridge that will benefit both local communities and the Philippines,” said Ruben Camba, a representative of the CLJV.

In an interview, Secretary Adelino Sitoy, the Presidential Adviser on Legislative Matters, said construction work on the CCLEX is set to commence by the first quarter next year.

Its construction is expected to generate 5,000 jobs and is set to be finished by 2020 or within the term of President Rodrigo Duterte. Sitoy was Cordova mayor when the project was sealed.

For his part, Allan Alfon, CCLEC president and general manager, said they are very confident that they can deliver a quality state-of-the-art bridge that will provide not just travel efficiency but also drive economic growth and productivity in the entire Visayas region, thereby, improving the overall welfare of the Cebuanos.