NLEX starts upgrading Candaba Viaduct

The NLEX Corporation has recently started the construction works to upgrade the decades-old North Luzon Expressway Candaba Viaduct that connects Pulilan, Bulacan, and Apalit, Pampanga.

The initial rehabilitation of the said elevated highway is the first of a series of upgrades for the viaduct that's expected to last until December this year.

The project has earned the support of public and private sectors, beginning with the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (PamCham). The Chamber expects the rehab will help boost the local economy as well as ensure the enhanced safety of motorists.

“To preserve the vital function of the Viaduct as a critical link between the National Capital Region and the North and Central Luzon areas, upgrading and rehabilitation works are needed. We extend our support for transport infrastructure programs that will uphold and ensure the safe, unhampered, and on-time delivery of critical goods and services nationwide,”PamCham President Renato Romero said.

During a dialogue among NLEX Corporation officers, Pampanga Governor Dennis Pineda noted that “the Pampanga provincial government is supporting the Candaba Viaduct upgrade because this will bring greater development to us.”

Apalit, Pampanga Mayor Oscar Tetangco Jr. and Pulilan, Bulacan Mayor Maritz Ochoa-Montejo shared Pineda’s sentiments.

“Napapanahon na po ang rehabilitasyon ng viaduct kaya sinusuportahan natin ang NLEX sa hakbang na ito,” Tetangco said.

“Ang rehabilitation na ito ay ipinagpapatuloy nila upang masiguro ang kaligtasan ng bawat isang motorista,” Montejo claimed.

Of course, since there would roadworks, expect some traffic congestion during the during peak hours.

“The Candaba Viaduct has served the Metro Manila, and Central and North Luzon road corridor for many years. We enjoin public support and understanding for the travel delays that may be caused by the upgrading. However, when completed, we are optimistic that these improvements will further boost safety and provide better driving experience to our customers,” NLEX Corporation President and General Manager J. Luigi L. Bautista highlighted.

According to NLEX Corporation , the road repair will involve the Manila-bound motorists using a temporary 31-meter fabricated steel Bailey bridge that will be installed for cars, vans, small trucks, and buses to cross over the repair site. Meanwhile, cargo trucks will be rerouted to the counterflow lane at the northbound carriageway.

Meanwhile, 12-wheeler dump trucks from areas north of the viaduct will be rerouted to MacArthur Highway. These 12-wheelers may re-enter NLEX southbound via Pulilan, Sta. Rita or Tabang. For that, the Bulacan mayors gave assurance that they will help manage the traffic situation in their respective roadways.

“Together with our traffic management team and in coordination with nearby localities, we would be exerting our best effort para mapagaan pa rin ang trapiko para sa ating mga kababayan,” Malolos City Mayor Gilbert Gatchalian affirmed.

Guiguinto Mayor Ambrosio Cruz Jr. said, “Konting tiis lang po para sa pagbabago, para din naman ito sa ating kapakanan. Kailangan ang mga intervention para maging safe ang ating biyahe.”

Calumpit Mayor Jessie De Jesus also threw in his support, acknowledging the possible inconvenience of the project within the local thoroughfares.

“Alam po natin na makakaranas ang bawat isa ng inconvenience lalo na ang epekto ng reroute ng mga truck, subalit makakaasa kayo na ang Bayan ng Calumpit ay makikiisa sa napakahalagang proyektong ito para sa ikabubuti ng bawat mamamayan,” he declared.

Hermosa, Bataan Mayor Antonio Joseph Inton and Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong both expressed firm beliefs that the ongoing program will also improve mobility.

“Nagpapasalamat kami sa pamunuan ng NLEX sa pagbibigay ng importansya sa safety concerns naming taga-Norte. Buo ang suporta namin sa pagsasagawa ng rehabilitasyon ng Viaduct,” Inton said.

“Ngayong may mga rehabilitasyon na ginagawa ang NLEX, atin pong suportahan dahil ito po ay ginagawa para sa ating kaligtasan. Mas magiging mabilis, ligtas at maayos na po ang pagpunta sa aming siyudad,” Magalong added.

The NLEX Corporation will deploy patrol crews and traffic marshals in the area to address possible traffic congestion. Apart from that, they will also put directional traffic signs at strategic locations to better guide the public. Timely traffic announcements will also be done on electronic variable message signs and through their social media accounts.

Since June, the NLEX Corporation has started enhancement works at NLEX-SCTEX as part of its continuing efforts to boost the safety and overall travel experience of motorists.

Photo/s from NLEX Corporation

Also read:

NLEX, SMC Aid Frontliners in Expressways

NLEX, SLEX Won’t Close Toll Plazas, Will Add Checkpoints Instead

Easytrip to be phased out by end of September