The opening of the 8.9-kilometer Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) is enhancing the appeal of Cebu as a tourist destination, backing up the revival of economy and tourism industry post-pandemic.
Offering improved mobility and access, Cebu has now started to experience the benefits CCLEX brings with tourism among the sectors seeing a boost.
Apart from improving travel to top tourism spots in the province, the expressway, now the country’s longest and tallest bridge structure, has become a destination itself with many including it in their travel itineraries.
It is for this reason, among others, that the Cebu Cordova Link Expressway Corporation (CCLEC) has placed in the pipeline the building of a Tourism Center to allow motorists to stop and take in the scenic views the expressway has to offer. The facility will be located beside the CCLEX alignment.
Apart from this, CCLEX is also fast becoming a sports icon, giving sports tourism a strong boost, as it recently hosted the bike leg of the Ironman 70.3 Philippines that attracted almost 2,000 triathletes from 46 countries.
Widely praised by organizers and participants alike, it was said that the inclusion of the CCLEX made the recent Ironman event in Cebu one of the world’s best.
Next year, CCLEX will also host the comeback of the country’s biggest and most festive 42K running event, the Cebu Marathon, that is expected to attract 8,000 runners.
The event will be held on January 8, 2022, a week prior to the holding of the annual Sinulog, the grandest festival in the country.
Mobility
Moreover, CCLEX has brought better mobility and accessibility, improving the quality of life of many of Cebu’s residents.
As face-to-face classes resumes, residents of Cordova can now study in Cebu City without having to go through a long commute through the two Mandaue-Mactan bridges as CCLEX cuts their trip from two to three hours to 45 minutes.
“Those living in Cordova and nearby barangays belonging to Lapu-lapu City would find using the CCLEX as a more convenient way of going to Cebu City. This results in better accessibility to education institutions and facilities on the mainland,” said a study of the University of San Carlos’ Center for Social Research and Education.
Added Value
To further ease travel and add value to motorists and tourists’ experience in CCLEX, it will be transitioning to full electronic toll collection on October 1, 2022
With this, road users are encouraged to get their CCLEX RFID now by registering and scheduling their installation at cclex.com.ph.
They can also visit the CCLEX Customer Service Centers conveniently located on both sides near the Toll Plaza as well as at the installation stations in Anjo World and Landers Superstore.
Installation is free and walk-ins are now accepted.
Motorists are also encouraged to reload their CCLEX RFID account using the MPT DriveHub app that can be downloaded for free at Google Play and App Store https://qrco.de/DriveHubPR-1.
CCLEX users can also reload through cash at the Customer Service Centers.
For updates or queries, visit CCLEX’s official Facebook page @CCLEXexpressway or call hotline number 13-5000.
CCLEX, an engineering feat and Cebu’s newest iconic landmark, is seen to not only ease traffic congestion in the metro but also spark socio-economic development in the province.
CCLEX, now considered the tallest and longest bridgeway structure in the country, is a project of CCLEC, in partnership with the local government units of Cebu City and Municipality of Cordova.
CCLEC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), the toll road arm of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation, a publicly-listed infrastructure holding company and a member of the MVP Group of Companies.
MPTC is the largest toll road concessionaire and operator in the Philippines. The company’s expansion goals include establishing toll operations in the Visayas, other parts of the Philippines, and in neighboring countries, notably Vietnam, and Indonesia.
