<\/p>\n
When people talk about Cebu, they often mention its white-sand beaches, historic churches, or lechon. But recently, a different kind of attraction has captured the attention of locals, tourists, and students alike: Cebu\u2019s 3rd Bridge<\/strong>, officially known as the Cebu\u2013Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Opened in April 2022, CCLEX is the longest and most advanced bridge<\/strong> in the Philippines, stretching nearly 9 kilometers<\/strong> across the sea. It connects Cebu City\u2019s South Road Properties (SRP)<\/strong> to Cordova, Mactan Island<\/strong>, offering a faster, smoother route between the two islands.<\/p>\n But CCLEX is more than just a road. It\u2019s a symbol of Cebu\u2019s modernization\u2014a beautifully designed expressway complete with LED lighting, a cable-stayed structure, and ocean views<\/strong> that rival many tourist attractions. At night, the bridge glows with light and reflects on the water, turning into a favorite spot for photographers and drone enthusiasts<\/strong>.<\/p>\n For students living in Cebu<\/strong>\u2014especially those at international schools like 3D ACADEMY<\/strong>\u2014CCLEX makes it easier than ever to access Mactan’s resorts, beaches, and even the airport. For travelers, it eliminates much of the traffic stress traditionally associated with the old Mandaue bridges.<\/p>\n Whether you’re planning a beach weekend, heading to the airport, or just curious about Cebu\u2019s latest landmark, this guide will show you everything you need to know about the 3rd Bridge in 2025<\/strong>\u2014how to use it, why it matters, and why you might want to see it up close.<\/p>\n The Cebu\u2013Cordova Link Expressway<\/strong>, commonly called CCLEX<\/strong>, is the third and newest bridge<\/strong> connecting the islands of Cebu<\/strong> and Mactan<\/strong> in the central Philippines. At 8.9 kilometers<\/strong> long, it is currently the longest sea-crossing bridge in the country<\/strong>\u2014a massive infrastructure achievement that reshaped travel and logistics in Metro Cebu.<\/p>\n Before its construction, Cebu and Mactan were connected by just two bridges: the Marcelo Fernan Bridge<\/strong> and the Mactan-Mandaue Bridge<\/strong> (Old Bridge). These older bridges, while functional, were often plagued by heavy traffic, especially during rush hours, holidays, or flight surges at Mactan-Cebu International Airport.<\/p>\n Enter CCLEX.<\/p>\n CCLEX was officially inaugurated on April 27, 2022<\/strong>, after years of planning and construction by Cebu Cordova Link Expressway Corporation (CCLEC)<\/strong>, a private subsidiary of Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation. The bridge was developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) and cost roughly \u20b133 billion<\/strong> (about USD 600 million) to build.<\/p>\n Its cable-stayed design<\/strong> features two iconic towers rising 145 meters above sea level, supporting the main span of the bridge over the Mactan Channel. These towers were inspired by historic Cebuano crosses and incorporate elements of local culture and faith.<\/p>\n The expressway includes:<\/p>\n Four lanes<\/strong> (two in each direction)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n LED lighting system<\/strong> across the full stretch for safe night travel<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Seismic and wind-resistant design<\/strong>, making it safe for typhoons and earthquakes<\/p>\n<\/li>\n RFID tolling system<\/strong> (contactless and cashless)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Ocean views<\/strong> throughout, making it one of the most scenic drives in the Philippines<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n It\u2019s not just functional\u2014it\u2019s beautiful.<\/p>\n CCLEX starts in South Road Properties (SRP)<\/strong> in Cebu City\u2014a rapidly developing area near SM Seaside, IL Corso, and the upcoming Cebu Ocean Park. From there, the expressway spans across the sea to Cordova town in Mactan<\/strong>, which is just a few minutes away from the Lapu-Lapu City area<\/strong> and the airport.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s how it helps:<\/p>\n \u2705 If you’re going from Cebu City to Mactan beaches or the airport \u2192 CCLEX is your fastest route<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n \u2705 If you’re returning to the city after a day trip \u2192 avoid the Mandaue congestion<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Locals often refer to CCLEX as the “Third Bridge<\/strong>” because it is the third major link<\/strong> between Cebu and Mactan islands. While its official name is rarely used in everyday conversation, “Third Bridge” has become a simple, popular way to refer to it, especially among taxi drivers, Grab drivers, and students.<\/p>\n So if you\u2019re booking a ride, just say:<\/p>\n \u201cCan we take the third bridge, please?\u201d<\/em> CCLEX also has a growing reputation as a tourist attraction<\/strong>. Whether you\u2019re driving at sunset or flying your drone near the shore, the bridge offers:<\/p>\n Stunning skyline views of downtown Cebu and the mountains<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n A panoramic look at the Mactan Channel<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Beautiful night lighting for evening drives<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n It has quickly become a popular subject for Instagram posts, wedding shoots, and even music videos.<\/p>\n While there is no public pedestrian access across the full span of the bridge as of 2025, several viewing spots in SRP and Cordova<\/strong> allow you to take great photos of the bridge\u2014especially at sunrise or dusk.<\/p>\n While bridges are often seen as just infrastructure, CCLEX has become a game changer for both locals and travelers<\/strong> in Cebu. It doesn\u2019t just connect two islands\u2014it connects communities, shortens travel times, and opens up new opportunities for work, leisure, and tourism.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s why the Third Bridge matters in 2025<\/strong>, more than ever before:<\/p>\n For decades, the only way to reach Mactan Island<\/strong>\u2014home to Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA)<\/strong> and many world-class resorts\u2014was via the two old bridges in Mandaue City<\/strong>. During rush hour, crossing those bridges could take 45 minutes to over an hour<\/strong>, even for short distances.<\/p>\n Now, with CCLEX:<\/p>\n Travel time between Cebu City and Cordova<\/strong> has been reduced to 10\u201315 minutes<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Students or travelers heading to the airport can bypass the most congested areas<\/strong> of Metro Cebu.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n It\u2019s a more direct, scenic, and less stressful drive\u2014especially during early morning flights or beach trips.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n For 3D ACADEMY students whose families are visiting, or who plan weekend trips to Mactan resorts<\/strong>, CCLEX is the best route.<\/p>\n Cordova and Mactan are known for their white-sand beaches<\/strong>, snorkeling spots<\/strong>, and island-hopping tours<\/strong> to places like Nalusuan, Pandanon, and Hilutungan Islands. Before CCLEX, reaching these areas involved weaving through traffic-heavy Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu streets.<\/p>\n Now, students and tourists can:<\/p>\n Get to Day-as Port<\/strong> or Cordova coastal areas<\/strong> more quickly<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Reach island hopping jump-off points like Alegrado Pier<\/strong> or 10K Roses Caf\u00e9<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Spend less time commuting, more time swimming and relaxing<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n For weekend getaways, CCLEX is a no-brainer.<\/p>\n The bridge has also had a major impact on local businesses<\/strong> and job creation<\/strong>:<\/p>\n More tourists now visit Cordova and southern Mactan, boosting food stalls, boat rentals, and souvenir shops<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Workers from Cordova can more easily commute to Cebu City<\/strong>, opening up job opportunities in SRP, IT Park, and Ayala.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Property development in Cordova has accelerated, with new hotels, restaurants, and beachfront accommodations opening up.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n In short: the bridge has turned Cordova from a sleepy town into a rising destination<\/strong>.<\/p>\n For years, the old bridges were infamous for daily bottlenecks. With CCLEX now absorbing a large portion of private vehicle traffic, there\u2019s been a noticeable easing of congestion in Mandaue City<\/strong>.<\/p>\n This means:<\/p>\n Faster jeepney and bus routes<\/strong> for locals<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Less stress for drivers commuting between Cebu and Lapu-Lapu<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Improved emergency response times (ambulances, police, etc.)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n It has had a domino effect on urban mobility<\/strong>, improving traffic conditions even outside the CCLEX corridor.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re planning to use the Third Bridge (CCLEX)<\/strong> during your stay in Cebu\u2014whether for a beach weekend, an airport trip, or just a scenic drive\u2014it\u2019s helpful to know how it works. As a toll expressway<\/strong>, CCLEX is not like a normal public road. But don\u2019t worry\u2014it\u2019s easy to use, even for first-timers.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s what every student, traveler, or Grab rider needs to know:<\/p>\n CCLEX charges toll fees based on vehicle type<\/strong>. As of 2025, here are the updated rates:<\/p>\n \u2705 Most Grab or taxi drivers include the \u20b190 toll fee in your fare<\/strong> automatically. Unlike traditional toll booths, CCLEX is fully cashless<\/strong>. You cannot pay in cash at the toll gates<\/strong>. Instead, the system uses RFID stickers<\/strong>, which are scanned automatically as vehicles pass.<\/p>\n Private car owners must register for a CCLEX RFID tag<\/strong> in advance.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Grab and taxis already have RFID installed<\/strong>, so you don\u2019t need to do anything as a passenger.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Some rental cars may not be registered\u2014check before driving.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n \u2757 Tip for students planning to rent a car:<\/strong> CCLEX has two main ends:<\/p>\n Entry Point:<\/strong> South Road Properties (SRP), near SM Seaside and Il Corso<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Landmark:<\/strong> Just past the South Road Tunnel and Cebu Ocean Park<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Exit Point:<\/strong> Cordova, via the Cordova Coastal Road<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Landmark:<\/strong> Close to Gabi Bridge and the route toward Lapu-Lapu City<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Pro tip: If you’re staying at 3D ACADEMY, getting to the Cebu City side of the bridge (SRP)<\/strong> takes around 15\u201320 minutes by Grab.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Currently, pedestrian and bicycle access is restricted<\/strong> on the main bridge span. There are no sidewalks<\/strong> for walking across, and biking is not allowed due to safety concerns and high-speed traffic.<\/p>\n However, several viewing areas<\/strong> and photo spots<\/strong> are available near both ends of the bridge, especially:<\/p>\n SRP Coastal Road \/ Il Corso Baywalk<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Cordova View Deck (Gabi area)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Many students and tourists go there at sunset<\/strong> to take photos with the bridge in the background.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re not driving, here\u2019s what to expect:<\/p>\n
\n\ufe0f Chapter 1: What Is CCLEX?<\/h2>\n
\nA Landmark in Philippine Engineering<\/h3>\n
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\nWhere Exactly Does It Start and End?<\/h3>\n
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\nWhy the Name “3rd Bridge”?<\/h3>\n
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And most drivers will know exactly what you mean.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
\nA New Way to See Cebu<\/h3>\n
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\n\ufe0f Chapter 2: Why It\u2019s Important for Travelers and Locals<\/h2>\n
\n1. Faster Access to Mactan and the Airport<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\n\ufe0f 2. Easier Access to Beaches and Island Hopping<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\n\u200d 3. Economic Benefits for Locals<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\n4. Decongestion of Old Bridges and Mandaue<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\nIn Summary: Who Benefits?<\/h3>\n
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\n \nGroup<\/th>\n How They Benefit from CCLEX<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n Tourists<\/strong><\/td>\n Easier airport\/beach access, scenic drives<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Students<\/strong><\/td>\n Safer, faster weekend travel and airport pickup<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Families<\/strong><\/td>\n Smooth pickup\/drop-off from airport or resorts<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Locals<\/strong><\/td>\n Better job access, less traffic, more opportunities<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Businesses<\/strong><\/td>\n Boost in tourism, land development, rentals<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
\nChapter 3: How to Use the Bridge \u2013 Tolls, Routes, and Tips<\/h2>\n
\n1. Toll Rates (as of 2025)<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\n \nVehicle Type<\/th>\n One-Way Toll Fee<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n Class 1 (cars, taxis, Grab)<\/td>\n \u20b190<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Class 2 (vans, pickups)<\/td>\n \u20b1180<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Class 3 (buses, trucks)<\/td>\n \u20b1270<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n \n
If unsure, just ask: \u201cIs the CCLEX toll already included?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
\n2. Payment Method \u2013 RFID Only<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Make sure the rental vehicle has an active CCLEX RFID tag<\/strong>, or you won\u2019t be allowed to enter the expressway.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
\n\ufe0f 3. Entry and Exit Points<\/strong><\/h3>\n
From Cebu City:<\/h4>\n
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From Mactan:<\/h4>\n
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\n4. Can You Walk or Bike Across the Bridge?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\n5. How to Use CCLEX as a Passenger (Grab or Taxi)<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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