Nlex Corp. has started conducting “major repairs” of bridges in Pampanga to ensure the safety of motorists using the North Luzon Expressway (Nlex) and the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (Sctex).
Nlex President Luigi L. Bautista said the group is upgrading the Nlex San Matias Bridge in Sto. Tomas and is strengthening the Sctex Pasig-Potero Bridge in Porac as part of its maintenance initiatives for the expressways.
“Just like the other bridges along the Nlex-Sctex network, San Matias and Pasig-Potrero are essential in facilitating ease of travel and efficient delivery of commodities. We are doing the necessary repairs as part of our commitment to keep our assets in good condition and more importantly, provide motorists with a safe and smooth expressway experience,” he said in a statement.
San Matias Bridge is an 80-meter bridge located between the San Fernando and San Simon interchanges. Upgrading works for the said bridge includes the replacement of two link slabs and the enhancement of its support and deck surface.
Targeted for completion within one month, the works at the San Matias bridge require occasional lane closures. The project also involves the use of a Bailey bridge to allow Class 1 and 2 vehicles (cars, vans, small trucks, and buses) to cross over the link slab repair site. A counterflow lane is also open at the northbound carriageway to accommodate Class 3 vehicles or big trucks.
Meanwhile, the 720-meter Pasig-Potrero bridge, which links Subic and Clark, is also being strengthened as the sand surrounding the piers have diminished due to quarrying operations. To improve the bridge’s serviceability and protect its structure, sheet piles and gabions are being installed. The strengthening works are expected to be completed within the second quarter.
Apart from the said bridges, the tollway company is also continuously rehabilitating the five-kilometer Candaba Viaduct. At present, the girders and slabs are being upgraded to further ensure safety.
Last year, the Meycauayan and Bigaa bridges in Bulacan were rehabilitated while the Porac and Gumain bridges in Pampanga underwent safety repairs.