Additional Ferry, Barge Service Between Cebu And Mactan On Dry Run Next Week

The Metro Cebu Bridge Management Board (MCBMB), which manages the two bridges linking Cebu mainland and Mactan Island, will hold a dry run next week for additional ferry and barge service between Cebu and Mactan.

The start of the PhP129-million rehabilitation of the854-meter-long first Mandaue-Mactan bridge on Feb. 8 triggered “horrendous” traffic in Mandaue City and Lapu-Lapu City that provoked numerous complaints.

Commuters caught in traffic for up to four hours from Mandaue to Lapu-Lapu resorted to the ferry service from Pier 3 in Cebu City to Muelle Osmena in Lapu-Lapu City.

The ferry ride only takes from 10 to 15 minutes.

The repairs are being done on the sidewalk, and the bridge remains open to two-way traffic for now.

Earlier, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Rogelio Singson said they will delay the closure of the bridge for repairs after the end of classes.

Engr. Nonato Paylado, head of planning and design at DPWH 7, said the plan was to work on one eight-hour shift every day, which means the repairs would take 320 days.

But they are starting to work on two eight-hour shifts a day, in order to complete the repairs in 168 days, in response to the clamor of affected local government units, businesses and commuters. (PNA) LGI/EB/PJN