PASSENGER TRAFFIC INCREASE: New bridge or tunnel needed to declog Cebu traffic

A business leader said that Cebu would be needing a new infrastructure to especially prepare for an increased passenger traffic if the planned expansion of the Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA) pushes through.

Lito Maderazo, president of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), said that building a third bridge or a tunnel perhaps would complement the Marcelo Fernan and the old Mandaue Mactan bridge.

Maderazo asked officials of the Filinvest – Changi Airports International Consortium how they intend to address the congestion problem if they win the airport expansion contract in a CCCI organized forum held on Tuesday afternoon.

“We also see the problem of access to the airport and we have engaged a local transport consultant to work with us,” replied Lau Ban Kiong, assistant vice president of the Changi Airport International.

Lau said that their consultant have been tasked to identify transport problem areas and how to solve these concerns.

“But to solve that matter is not through transport efficiency but infrastructure.  We need a new bridge or a tunnel,” Maderazo said.

If they win the airport expansion contract, Lau said they will have to coordinate with local government units in Cebu in addressing traffic concerns that may affect airport operations.
“We need to ask the stakeholders because the roads do not belong to us,” Lau added.

PRESENTATION

Lau made a presentation of the concept of their airport expansion program in a forum with Cebu business and tourism leaders held on Tuesday afternoon.

He said that their airport design is capable of accommodating as much as 25 million domestic and international passengers.  Terminal 2 construction is expected to last four years.

Lau said that from the existing passenger traffic of about 6.5 million per year, they hope to increase passenger traffic to 16 million during the first 10 years of operation of the new airport terminal.

Passenger traffic is expected to increase to 25 million from there on.

“The airport is not a stand alone infrastructure.  We have to bring passengers to and from the airport.  What are your views on transport congestion especially during the peak hours?”

Maderazo asked during the forum.

Lau said that they are also aware of the importance of providing access to MCIA thus they are tapping the expertise of a local transport consultant to advise them on what needs to be done to address congestion problems.

Meanwhile, Mayor Michael Rama said that a plan to build a third bridge that will connect Cordova town to Cebu City will help address traffic problems in Mactan Island and Cebu.

He said that even a fourth bridge to Talisay City would be most welcomed.