Skyways, more flyovers in Cebu

Will Metro Cebu eventually see skyways and more flyovers and underpasses?

Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña is bent on making this happen, at least in the city. He said he will push for 15 skyways and underpasses to address the worsening traffic situation.

Osmeña said he has been informed that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is finalizing the full detailed engineering design of 25 skyways, flyovers, and underpasses that will be implemented in Cebu City and neighboring Mandaue City.

Of the 25, at least 15 skyways, flyovers, and underpasses will be constructed in Cebu City, specifically in barangays Mambaling and Lahug.

It is only after the engineering design is completed when the full budget of the projects will be known.

“After the full detailed engineering design, then you will know the exact amount of money is needed because full detailed engineering is down to the last bag of cement and then that goes with appropriation,” he said.

“I'm working on projects and one of the major projects we are working on now is to put a multiple overpass… in other words skyway from Fuente Osmeña to Serging Osmeña boulevard straight,” he added.

He said five skyways will connect Fuente Osmeña to Serging Osmeña Boulevard, among other streets in the city.

Meanwhile, an underpass will be constructed at the Mambaling access road that will connect to the South Coastal Road. Another one will be constructed near a mall in Barangay Lahug.

In 2015, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JAICA) identified in its Roadmap Study for Sustainable Development 20 flyovers and underpasses worth over P7 billion for Cebu City and Mandaue.

Osmeña said he will not disclose other details, anticipating critics that will move against the projects.

He said the 25 infrastructure projects will be included in DPWH's budget proposal for 2018.

Osmeña said the city is hoping to implement the projects next year. He said the flyovers, skyways, and underpasses will complement the P16.3 billion Cebu Bus Rapid Transit system, which will also be implemented next year.

He said he anticipates opposition, which is why he wants the projects implemented faster.

PAUL JUN E. ROSAROSO Work on the underpass along N. Bacalso Avenue continues as Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña vowed to have more infrastructure projects in the city.

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