It was 2 years ago when NLEX Corporation started the long-overdue rehabilitation of the 44-year-old Candaba viaduct, which connects the provinces of Bulacan and Pampanga. Now, the rehabilitation of the southbound lanes of the viaduct is completed, NLEX reported.
About 25 bridge link slabs made of concrete have been replaced with a pot bearing system to connect bridge deck spans.
Thirteen of these were completed in 2020 while the other 12 were undertaken this year. In July, there are four link slabs that will be replaced at the northbound portion to strengthen the bridge, boost road safety, and restore the driving comfort of motorists.
“We have slated a series of upgrades for the Viaduct as a result of the bridge condition survey and engineering study that we commissioned in 2018. We are optimistic that these improvements will enhance the capacity and efficiency of our expressway thus promote safety and provide better service to our motorists,” said Luigi Bautista, president and general manager of NLEX Corporation.
The study concluded that aside from the usual wear and tear over the years, the increasing number of overloaded trucks have greatly put stress on the bridge and damaged several link slabs.
NLEX is not yet done with the rehabilitation. As with the work on the southbound lanes, the upcoming northbound upgrade will start in July of this year. This will also require motorists to slow down and utilize a temporary steel Bailey bridge that will be installed to allow cars, vans, small trucks, and buses to cross over the link slab construction sites. A counterflow lane at the southbound carriageway will also be available for cargo trucks and the above-mentioned vehicles.
Aside from replacing the link slabs at the Candaba Viaduct, the tollway company is also rehabilitating the Meycauayan and Bigaa bridges in Bulacan and conducting safety repairs on Pau, Pasig Potrero, and Caulaman bridges in Pampanga.
