Cebu City and CCLEX Reopen Negotiations for Guadalupe Ramp to Alleviate Traffic Congestion
Discussions have officially recommenced between the Cebu City Government and the Cebu Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) regarding the proposed Guadalupe ramp, a critical infrastructure project designed to address severe traffic issues in the South Road Properties (SRP) area. This development follows the first CCLEX Bridge Management Board Meeting of 2026, attended by key officials including Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival, CCLEX President Allan Alfon, and Cordova Mayor Cesar "Didoy" Suan.
Traffic Decongestion Through Direct Connectivity
The planned ramp, with an estimated cost of P3 billion to be funded by CCLEX, aims to create a direct link from the main bridge to V. Rama Avenue, extending toward Barangay Guadalupe. Mayor Archival emphasized that this connection will significantly reduce congestion by allowing motorists from V. Rama heading to Mactan to access the bridge directly, while those traveling from Mactan to Guadalupe or other city areas can bypass the SRP entirely. Currently, drivers must navigate the heavily congested SRP coastal road, but the new alignment promises a more efficient route for residents in inner districts.
Overcoming Roadblocks: Right-of-Way and Relocation Challenges
Initially proposed during former mayor Michael Rama's administration, the project faced delays due to complex right-of-way (ROW) issues, particularly involving informal settler families living along riverbanks and on government-owned land designated for the ramp. To address these obstacles, Mayor Archival announced the formation of a Technical Working Group (TWG) comprising city officials and CCLEX management. The TWG will focus on assessing the social impact and determining proper handling and relocation strategies for affected residents before finalizing a construction timeline.
Maintenance and Safety Standards Under Review
In addition to the ramp extension, the board reviewed the 2025 Operations and Maintenance Report, which included an evaluation of the International Roughness Index (IRI) to ensure the 8.9-kilometer bridge maintains optimal safety levels. Discussions also covered toll adjustments to align with operational costs, strengthening enforcement through the deputization of Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) personnel within CCLEX boundaries, and standardizing safety protocols for major events like international marathons.
While no specific start date has been set for the Guadalupe ramp, the establishment of the TWG represents the most significant progress on this extension in over two years, marking a pivotal step forward in Cebu's infrastructure development.
