NLEX STEPS UP REHAB OF 2 BULACAN BRIDGES

NLEX Corp. is moving to fast-track the simultaneous rehabilitations of NLEX bridges in Meycauayan and Bigaa, both in the province of Bulacan, as it targets substantial completion by August 16 or a month ahead of its original completion date of Sept. 15, 2021.

J. Luigi Bautista, president and general manager of NLEX Corp., said the tollway company and its contractor were working together to find ways to speed up the work and complete the project for the benefit of the public.

“We have reached a significant breakthrough in our discussions with our contractor. So, we can finish ahead of schedule and provide motorists with safer and more convenient travel before the ‘ber’ months begin. Barring any unforeseen events, the accelerated completion date of Bigaa Bridge is August 11 instead of August 31, and the substantial completion date for Meycauayan [Bridge] is August 16 instead of September 15,” Bautista added.

Rehabilitation work on the southbound portion of Meycauayan bridge has been finished and the repairs on the northbound side of the bridge started on Sunday, July 18.

Meanwhile, work on the northbound segment of the Bigaa bridge is steadily progressing.

NLEX Corp. has implemented new traffic management measures to ease traffic delays while the Meycauayan bridge rehabilitation is ongoing.

The corporation teamed up with the Department of Public Works and Highways to temporarily open the two-lane service road in Meycauayan in order that motorists with light vehicles could use it as a detour.

Last April, the tollway company started the rehabilitation of the two bridges, involving the replacement of girders and slabs to strengthen the structures and improve its lifespan.

These bridges are seen as vital in supporting safe, reliable and efficient movement of people and goods between the metro and the provinces in the north.

In an earlier statement, Bulacan Gov. Daniel Fernando extended his support to these important infrastructure developments that would improve the serviceability of NLEX, strengthen connectivity, boost investment and open up job opportunities in the province of Bulacan.