THE opening of a new bridge linking Cordova town and Cebu City could still have an effect on the traffic situation in Mandaue City.

According to Edwin Jumao-as, executive director of the Mandaue Traffic Enforcement Agency, the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX), which will open on April 27, 2022, will only provide 15 percent relief to traffic on Mandaue roads.

This is because the bridge gives access to travelers from Cebu City and southern Cebu going to Mactan and vice versa.

Motorists or travelers from northern Cebu going to Mactan would less likely pass through CCLEX as there are two bridges that connect the cities of Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu–the first bridge and the Marcelo Fernand Bridge.

Jumao-as further said that motorists bound for northern Cebu would less likely cross CCLEX as they have to pay the toll fee, and it’s most likely they will pass through Mandaue City to reach their destinations.

Before the pandemic struck Cebu, the traffic situation in Mandaue City had been ugly, especially along highways during rush hours. With eased government restrictions on mobility, the traffic in the city has returned to its pre-pandemic situation.

Jumao-as also said toll fees might also hinder motorists from constantly crossing CCLEX.

CCLEX’s toll fees will be as low as P85 for class A vehicles, P160 for class B vehicles, and P300 for huge trucks.

Jumao-as, however, said CCLEX is an extra option for motorists going to Cebu mainland and Lapu-Lapu who want a faster way to get to their destinations without passing through Mandaue City.

The opening of CCLEX on April 27 will be graced by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.