5 BIG PROJECTS PUSHED

Road networks to ease traffic in Metro Cebu are in the pipeline, including long-term ones that extend to 2040

Five proposed projects were submitted jointly by the Japan International Cooperation Agency ( JICA) and Metro Cebu Development Coordinating Board (MCDCB) for endorsement by the Infrastructure Development Committee (IDC).

IDC Chairman Glenn Soco identified the five projects as the Cebu-Mactan 4th Bridge, Mandaue Coastal Road, Cebu Circumferential (Ring) Road, Urban Mass Rapid Transit (UMRT), Central Line (Talisay-Consolacion) and UMRT-Coastal Line (Cebu-Mactan).

Except for the Mandaue Coastal Road, the four projects have a total estimated coast of P197.3 billion. It will be funded by the Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) of Japan at a very low interest rate.

The individual project costs are: Cebu-Mactan 4th Bridge, P6.9 billion; Metro Cebu Circumferential Road, P40.2 billion; UMRT Coastal Line, P44.3 billion; and UMRT Central Line, P105.9 billion.

Soco said all these projects are under the Metro Cebu Urban Transport Master Plan for 2022 (short term), 2028 and 2040 (medium term), and 2050 (long term).

The IDC is a committee for infrastructure of the Regional Development Council (RDC), which is chaired by international designer Kenneth Cobonpue.

Under the law, the IDC and RDC have the authority to endorse projects of the local government units (LGUs) and National Government.

Of the five projects, the feasibility studies for Cebu-Mactan’s fourth bridge and the coastal road for Mandaue are being worked out by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Soco said the feasibility study for the Metro Cebu Circumferential Road has been done by DPWH and was submitted to the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) for ODA funding.

However, Neda has referred it to the IDC and RDC, and requested a review of its right-of-way (ROW) cost.

He said the Mandaue Coastal Road will link to the fourth bridge in coordination with the Mandaue-Consolacion-Liloan-Danao Diversion Road Project.

On the other hand, Soco said the significance of the Metro Cebu Circumferential Road is that it has a bypass road effect to relieve the traffic congestion in the center (Talisay-Cebu-Mandaue) and promote regional linkage.

Soco said the UMRT Coastal Line will link Mandaue and the Mactan North, providing direct access to the airport.

The UMRT Central Line, on the other hand, will have a length of 24.8 kms., a main public transport corridor development in Metro Cebu that will link the cities of Talisay, Cebu and Mandaue and Consolacion town.