The Lapu-Lapu City Government is taking a firm stance, advocating that full funding for the coastal road stretching from Barangays Ibo to Pajo must be secured before the fourth bridge project can proceed. This move emphasizes the critical importance of preventing severe traffic bottlenecks in the area.
Key Request to DPWH and Jica
Lone District Representative Junard "Ahong" Chan informed SunStar Cebu on Monday, March 16, 2026, that the city's request has been formally raised with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica). He stressed that the road network must be fully prepared ahead of the bridge's completion to avoid exacerbating traffic issues.
The City Government had previously appealed to project proponents to avoid using the existing circumferential road and instead construct a dedicated coastal road, a request that has already been granted. This strategic decision aims to ensure that traffic conditions do not worsen, especially since the planned alignment is in close proximity to the existing Marcelo Fernan Bridge, also known as the Second Cebu–Mactan Bridge.
Support with Conditions
"We are not against the project; we are supporting the project because, of course, having a fourth bridge that will cater to the northern part will be a big help," said Chan. "Our request is for them to fund our coastal road so that it already has clear financing before the bridge reaches us," he added, highlighting the necessity of a well-funded infrastructure plan.
Based on initial estimates presented to city officials, Chan revealed that the entire project would require approximately P10 billion. The lawmaker noted that the City Government is currently awaiting a scheduled meeting with DPWH and Jica officials to discuss funding and implementation details further.
Addressing Traffic Woes
While initial construction works for the coastal road have commenced in Ibo, Chan pointed out that the initial allocation of P400 million does not fully cover the entire stretch from Ibo to Pajo. Without this alternative route, he warned that traffic from the proposed fourth bridge could converge near the second bridge, leading to significant congestion, particularly in Ibo.
Chan explained that the area is already prone to heavy traffic, especially during peak hours, as about 65,000 employees from the Mactan Economic Zone 1 head home. At the time the fourth bridge initiative was introduced, Chan was serving as mayor of Lapu‑Lapu City. Initial studies for this project began as early as 2017, when feasibility work was first conducted on a new crossing designed to ease congestion.
Project Details and Community Impact
The planned infrastructure project will feature a four-lane, 3.3-kilometer crossing connecting Mandaue City to Lapu‑Lapu City, paired with a 4.9-kilometer coastal road and viaduct system. In February 2026, Mandaue City officials also met with Jica and DPWH representatives as part of preparations for the fourth bridge and coastal highway, where plans and impacts were presented to Mayor Thadeo "Jonkie" Ouano.
Discussions during these meetings focused on relocation plans and support for the more than 200 families who would be affected by the project's alignment on the Mandaue side. Funded through Jica's official development assistance, the project aims to alleviate traffic congestion and is slated for construction to begin in 2026, pending the resolution of funding for the coastal road.
