Skywalk demolition set to resume, completion eyed before month’s end
A ‘NO ENTRY’ signage has been installed on one of the entrance stairs of the skywalk in front of the Cebu Normal University (CNU). | CDN Photo/ Pia Piquero
CEBU CITY, Philippines – Following the temporary suspension of the skywalk demolition in front of Cebu Normal University (CNU) on December 8, Cebu City Councilor Jerry Guardo, chairman of the infrastructure committee, announced the resumption of the demolition process, with a target completion before the end of December.
“Schedule-lan na naman ang demolition of skywalk… Definitely karon na gyud na na week,” said Guardo on Tuesday, December 12.
However, Guardo has yet to provide a definitive timeline for the demolition, pending another coordination meeting with various sectors involved.
Guardo assured the public that the necessary permits from the Commission on Audit (COA) have been secured, paving the way for the clearing operation to commence.
The dismantling of the skywalk in front of CNU began on the afternoon of December 8 by the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT) management but was abruptly halted in the evening by the Cebu City government.
The interruption was explained as the need for further coordination through another meeting.
Guardo clarified the need for a comprehensive coordination meeting involving all relevant sectors to synchronize plans and preparations for the operation.
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He emphasized that including all sectors is crucial for a more organized and harmonized approach compared to the previous coordination meeting where responsibilities were delegated solely to the contractor.
In outlining the demolition plan, Guardo mentioned a scheduled clearing operation, starting with the skywalk near Cebu Normal University (CNU), followed by the skywalk adjacent to the Department of Health (DOH-7) office.
Despite the demolition plan, Guardo mentioned salvaging certain components, particularly the roofings and railings of the skywalks.
Guardo said the impossibility of simultaneous demolition is due to potential adverse effects on nearby establishments.
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Previously, Raquel Arce, head of the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO), assured the public to reroute traffic once the skywalk demolition starts.
She mentioned that the entire stretch of Osmeña Blvd. would not be simultaneously closed to vehicular traffic.
According to the rerouting plan, motorists from Fuente Osmeña Circle to the downtown area would take a detour by turning right at R.R. Landon St., followed by a right at Junquera St. For vehicles from downtown and N. Bacalso Ave. bound for Fuente Osmeña Circle, the detour involves a left turn at Don Pedro Cui from P. del Rosario St., followed by a right turn at R.R. Landon and a left turn at D. Jakosalem before reaching F. Ramos St.
During the demolition near the DOH-7 office, uptown-bound vehicles will be redirected to Arlington Pond St., exiting F. Ramos St., and vice versa.
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