DPWH to build pedestrian overpass at SRP

Local

A PEDESTRIAN overpass is set to be built along the Cebu South Coastal Road within the South Road Properties (SRP).

In a letter dated July 29, 2025, Department of Public Works and Highways-Central Visayas (DPWH-7) Regional Director Danilo J. Villa Jr. informed Mayor Nestor Archival Sr. that the agency has completed the conceptual plan for the project.

The undertaking is officially titled “Convergence and Special Support Program, Special Road Fund–Motor Vehicle User’s Charge (MVUC) as per R.A. 11239, Construction of Pedestrian Overpass along Cebu South Coastal Road, including improvements within South Road Properties, Cebu City, Cebu.”

The plan was forwarded to the Cebu City Council on Tuesday, August 19, together with the required Right-of-Way (ROW) Certification, a prerequisite before contracts can be awarded and construction begins.

Based on DPWH documents, the overpass will have a total bridge length of 48.56 linear meters and will affect 380 square meters of property.

Of this, 237 square meters belong to the Cebu City Government, while 143 square meters are owned by Robinsons Land Corporation (RLC).

Villa noted that in prior discussions, RLC had agreed to grant DPWH usufruct rights over the portion of its property that will be used for the structure.

“As recalled in our letter dated July 8, 2025, this Office presented the conceptual plan for the project reflecting the identified portions where the planted columns will be erected,” Villa said.

The DPWH stressed that the project will eventually be handed over to the city for management and upkeep.

“For Basic Infrastructure Program (BIP) projects such as this, once completed, the project will be turned over to the LGU-Cebu, who in turn will accept the project to ensure adequate maintenance, upkeep, and repairs,” Villa explained in the endorsement.

The ROW Certification, endorsed in five copies, requires Archival’s approval, backed by a City Council resolution and verification by DPWH, before implementation can proceed.

During its regular session on August 19, the Cebu City Council officially noted Villa’s endorsement of the project.

The DPWH said the overpass forms part of its infrastructure initiatives funded under the Motor Vehicle User’s Charge, in line with Republic Act 11239, which ensures accountability and uniform implementation of local road projects.

Officials expect the project to significantly ease pedestrian movement across the Cebu South Coastal Road, a major highway traversing the SRP.

The area has experienced surging traffic from new residential, commercial, and entertainment developments.

Local leaders have long called for safer walkways and pedestrian facilities in the SRP, which continues to be a centerpiece of Cebu City’s urban expansion and economic growth.(TGP)