Cebu City Revives P3-Billion Guadalupe Ramp Project to Ease SRP Traffic

In a significant move to address chronic traffic woes, Cebu City officials and managers of the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) have officially resumed negotiations to construct the long-proposed Guadalupe Ramp. This P3-billion infrastructure initiative is being hailed as the critical missing link required to alleviate severe congestion at the South Road Properties (SRP), promising to transform regional mobility.

Official Confirmation and Strategic Goals

Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival confirmed the development following a high-level meeting with CCLEX President Allan Alfon and Cordova Mayor Cesar “Didoy” Suan. The primary objective of this project is to establish a more efficient and direct route for motorists traveling between Cebu City and Mactan, thereby reducing travel times and improving overall traffic flow.

Mayor Archival emphasized the project's importance, stating, “This will significantly help decongest traffic.” He elaborated that the ramp would enable drivers from V. Rama Avenue to access the CCLEX bridge directly, while those coming from Mactan could proceed to Guadalupe without encountering the notorious bottlenecks along the SRP coastal road.

Project Details and Traffic Impact

The proposed Guadalupe Ramp is designed to connect the main CCLEX bridge directly to V. Rama Avenue, extending toward Barangay Guadalupe. This strategic connection is expected to divert a substantial volume of vehicles away from the overcrowded SRP coastal road, offering a smoother alternative for daily commuters and commercial transport.

By bypassing the congested SRP, the ramp aims to save valuable time for thousands of travelers and enhance the overall efficiency of the city's transportation network. The project represents a proactive step toward sustainable urban development and improved quality of life for residents.

Overcoming Historical Obstacles

The Guadalupe Ramp project was initially proposed several years ago but stalled due to complex right-of-way issues. The primary challenge involves insufficient clear land for construction, as numerous families currently reside on government-owned property and riverbanks earmarked for the ramp.

To address these hurdles, the city has established a dedicated Technical Working Group (TWG). This team is tasked with:

Social Impact Assessment: Identifying the exact number of families affected by the project.
Relocation Planning: Securing appropriate housing solutions for residents living along the creek and construction zones.
Timeline Development: Setting a realistic and actionable schedule for the commencement of construction.

The formation of the TWG marks the most substantial progress on this project in over two years, signaling a renewed commitment to overcoming past impediments.

Ensuring Bridge Safety and Operational Efficiency

While the Guadalupe Rap dominates discussions, the board also conducted a comprehensive review of the existing 8.9-kilometer CCLEX bridge. This included an evaluation of the International Roughness Index, a key metric that assesses the smoothness and safety of the road surface for drivers.

Additional topics addressed during the meeting encompassed:

Toll Rate Review: Examining the fairness of current pricing in relation to the operational costs of maintaining the bridge.
Traffic Regulation Enforcement: Ensuring that Cebu City traffic officers possess the necessary authority to enforce rules on the expressway.
Event Safety Protocols: Establishing stringent safety guidelines for international marathons and other large-scale events hosted on the bridge.

Future Prospects and Community Benefits

Although a definitive start date for construction has yet to be finalized, the revival of talks and the establishment of the TWG represent a pivotal advancement. Once completed, the Guadalupe Ramp is poised to deliver substantial benefits, including reduced commute times, decreased traffic congestion, and enhanced economic connectivity between Cebu City and Mactan.

This project underscores a collaborative effort between local government units and private sector stakeholders to tackle infrastructure challenges head-on, paving the way for a more efficient and prosperous metropolitan area.