An architectural render of the proposed CCLEX. | Contributed Photo
CEBU CITY, Philippines — The Cebu Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) is now more than halfway to being passable to motorists.
In the regular update given by the Cebu Cordova Link Expressway Corporation (CCLEC), they said that the completion of the project is now at 68.21 percent, while the construction progress is now at 59.68 percent.
“Part of the progress is the completion of the concreting works for the two main bridge pylons. Standing 145 meters, the CCLEX pylon on the side of Cebu City and Cordova have already reached their final height.”
“With the removal of the pylon’s self-climbing formworks, the ecumenical crosses mounted on top of the Tower 2 is now visible. Removal of the formworks for Tower 1 will follow suit,” said CCLEC in a statement.
A total of eight 40-meter crosses will be installed on all sides of the two towers to be lighted at night as a reminder of Cebu’s significant role as the cradle of Christianity in Asia.
The crosses made of imported stainless steel will be illuminated by interconnected LED linear light strips.
At least 20 of the 56 stay cables have already been installed for the main bridge deck, which will hold the deck.
Construction of the deck slabs or the carriageway for the vehicles is ongoing at the Cebu South Coastal Road (CSCR) on-ramp, while construction of the headstocks, as well as the installation of girders using the launching gantry, is underway at the CSCR off-ramp.
Also making headway is the construction of the permanent pedestrian footbridge with four out of six prefabricated steels already installed.
The 200-meter footbridge will start near the U-turn slot of the South Road Properties’ welcome tower and will serve as pedestrian’s access to the sidewalk of the CSCR on-ramp. Sidewalks will be provided in the entire stretch of CCLEX.
Embankment works have already reached the town of Cordova, particularly at the Mactan Circumferential Road, which is the end of the CCLEX connection in Cordova.
Placing of filter and armor rocks is also ongoing as well as laying of the vent pipes comprised of 20 units scattered along the causeway’s stretch in order to equalize the flow of seawater in the Cordova Channel.
As to the four low-lying bridges, all foundation works have been completed. These bridges will serve as access to the Cordova fishermen to their fishing ground.
CCLEX is an 8.5-kilometer toll bridge that will link Cebu City through the South Road Properties to the Municipality of Cordova in Mactan Island. The 30-billion facility is expected to be completed by the last quarter of 2021. /rcg