Operation of the P33-billion Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) has begun, helping improve mobility in Cebu and boost the economy of the province.
Last Wednesday, President Duterte led the inauguration of the CCLEX project — an iconic bridge that links mainland Cebu in Cebu City to Mactan Island through Cordova.
Completed last October, the CCLEX main bridge is expected to serve 50,000 vehicles daily.
Construction of the first expressway outside Luzon was undertaken by project developer Cebu Cordova Link Expressway Corp. (CCLEC), a subsidiary of Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC), through a joint venture agreement with Cebu City and the municipality of Cordova.
Manuel Pangilinan, MPTC chairman, said Cebu has started to reap the benefits of the project, which was built at a cost of at least P33 billion.
“(This) project will bring in more investments, stimulate trade and commerce, revitalize tourism, and give a collective sense of pride among its people,” Pangilinan said.
The project was undertaken in partnership among MPTC and the local governments of Cebu City and Cordova town.
Rodrigo Franco, MPTC president and chief executive officer, said foreign direct investments have begun pouring into Cebu City and Cordova.
“The project is an important boost to trade and commerce, and we have seen new dynamism in the local business community,” Franco said.
He added Cebu will soon experience an influx of visitors who will be able to enjoy the use of the CCLEX.
Allan Alfon, CCLEC president, encouraged motorists in Cebu to have their vehicles installed with the radio frequency identification (RFID) stickers that are needed to use the expressway. To give time to people to have the RFID installed, toll operators will accept cash during the initial days of its operation. – Myla Iglesias
