Nlex Corp., the concessionaire and operator of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), is set to officially reopen the Pasig-Potrero Bridge to all vehicle classes on Friday, September 29.
According to Nlex President Luigi Bautista, the reopening of the bridge will help improve travel convenience for those commuting between Clark and Subic.
“We are happy to announce that we are reopening the Pasig-Potrero Bridge to traffic after undergoing rehabilitation works. Travel will again be more convenient and seamless as this will alleviate traffic for motorists coming from Clark to Subic, and vice versa,” he said.
He noted that even with the reopening of the bridge, rehabilitation efforts would continue to “further strengthen the structure.”
The Pasig-Potrero Bridge was temporarily closed on July 16 due to an emergency safety inspection prompted by heavy rains brought by the southwest monsoon and typhoon “Dodong.”
A thorough assessment conducted by a third-party bridge expert revealed that closure was necessary to ensure motorist safety, as certain portions of the bridge were affected by the heavy rains and strong river flow.
Nlex has since implemented emergency substructure strengthening works, but changing weather conditions and the high water levels in the area became “challenges.”
“It was very challenging whenever heavy rain starts to pour. As much as we wanted to expedite the works, the heavy river flow and high water level in the area made it difficult for the team to proceed. There were times where we had to temporarily stop and wait for the weather to improve and water level to recede before we were able to resume,” he said.
After undergoing another safety assessment, the bridge was reopened on August 7 to Class 1 vehicles while strengthening works continued beneath it.
