Thursday, June 08, 2006
Cebu-Mactan Bridge
Marcelo B. Fernan Bridge in Mactan, Cebu.
Marcelo Fernan Bridge is an extradosed cable-stayed bridge located in Metro Cebu, Cebu in the Philippines. It spans across Mactan Channel connecting Cebu Island to Mactan Island.
Marcelo Fernan Bridge was opened in August 1999 to decongest the traffic from the older Mactan-Mandaue bridge. The bridge has a total length of 1237 metres (4058.40 feet) with a center span of 185 metres (606.96 feet). The bridge is one of the widest and longest bridge in the Philippines. It was named after Senator Marcelo Fernan, a political figure from Cebu City.
It is a new modern earthquake proof bridge that was financed by the Japanese government as a reparation gesture from the damage done from the second world war. I used to remember before the bridges, we used to ride ferries to the island. Now the bridges has turned Mactan Island into a bustling busy tourist spot. The international airport is located here as well as the Export Processing Zone. Mactan Island is also famous for it's white sand beaches, and numerous plush resorts (high end and low end), and shell and guitar making industry.
Mactan Island is also known as the spot where Ferdinand Magellan died. Ferdinand Magellan was the explorer who discovered the Philippine Islands in the 1500's. He died in the hands of Lapu-Lapu, who was the tribal chief of Mactan Island, and who happens to be the Philippines first national hero.