Bridge repair causes worry

THE ongoing repair of the Marcelo Fernan Bridge brings about concerns that it may not be finished in time for Lapu-Lapu’s hosting of the Ironman 70.3 triathlon on Aug. 5.

One lane of the bridge was set to be used for the 90K bike discipline of the race from Lapu-Lapu to Mandaue City North Reclamation Area.

If plans don’t miscarry, bridge repairs are expected to finish in August.

However, the worries were quashed as Cebu over-all coordinator Oscar “Boying” Rodriguez said they have received an assurance that the repairs will almost be completed during the race.

“We were assured that the repairs will alsmost be completed so that we could host the 1,700 triathletes properly. We were told that the repair is already on its third phase so we were assured that we will be using one of the finished lanes,” said Rodriguez.

The bike route will pass through the bridge towards South Road Properties, to Talisay City and back to Lapu-Lapu.

The triathletes will come from 30 different countries. There is a huge increase in the number of participants this year compared to the 1,100, who joined the Ironman in Camarines Sur last year. It was the third and last Ironman hosting of Camsur Rodriguez added that they have also already made all the necessary arrangements as to traffic control.

“We already made all the necessary coordination with traffic control. We have been assured as well by the Mactan Airbase that they will open their gates on that day to help ease the traffic, especially those going to and out of the airport.

This race is considered the biggest hosting by Cebu and also covers a 1.9K swim and 21.1 run.

Rodriguez added that prior to the race, there will be an iron kid on Aug. 4 in the same venue but a shorter distance which is suitable among the young triathletes.