NLEX Corporation is undertaking the upgrading of NLEX San Matias bridge in Sto. Tomas and the strengthening of SCTEX Pasig-Potrero bridge in Porac, both in Pampanga, as part of its continuing effort to ensure the safety of motorists.
“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,” said NLEX Corporation President and General Manager J. Luigi L. Bautista.
The 80-meter San Matias bridge is located between San Fernando and San Simon interchanges. At its southbound portion, the two link slabs that connect bridge deck spans are being replaced to improve safety.
Targeted for completion within one month, the works at the San Matias bridge require occasional lane closures wherein 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.
The 720-meter Pasig-Potrero bridge, which serves as a vital link between Subic and Clark, is also being strengthened as the sand surrounding the piers have diminished due to quarrying operations, which has then affected the bridge’s structure.
“To improve the bridge’s serviceability and protect its structure, sheet piles and gabions are being installed. Sheet piles are steel sheets that are connected together while gabions are stone-filled wire baskets, both of which are used to form a retaining wall to support the piers,” Bautista said.
He added that the work at the Pasig-Potrero bridge is expected to be completed within the second quarter of the year.
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.
It can be recalled that last year, the Meycauayan and Bigaa bridges in Bulacan were rehabilitated while the Porac and Gumain bridges in Pampanga underwent safety repairs.
