RESUMED. The construction of the major projects such as the NLEX Harbor Link C3-R10 Section, NLEX Connector, Subic Freeport Expressway (SFEX) Capacity Expansion and the heavy maintenance program for the Candaba Viaduct has resumed after NLEX Corp. acquired approval from government regulators. NLEX Corp. president and general manager J. Luigi Bautista said on Wednesday (May 20, 2020) that they remain committed to finishing their big-ticket projects amid the health crisis. (Photo courtesy of NLEX Corporation)
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – After acquiring a green light from government regulators, the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) Corporation has resumed construction of its major projects such as the NLEX Harbor Link C3-R10 Section, NLEX Connector, Subic Freeport Expressway (SFEX) Capacity Expansion, including the heavy maintenance program for the Candaba Viaduct.
“Despite the challenging times, our team remains committed to accomplish our big-ticket projects and continue the 24/7 service to our customers and other stakeholders,” NLEX Corporation president and general manager J. Luigi Bautista said in a statement on Wednesday.
Following the guidelines and protocols of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF), and other concerned government agencies, he said the tollway company assured the safety of workers while at the same time, ensuring the continuity of the projects.
These measures include rapid antibody testing of workers; strict observance of safety and hygiene protocols such as wearing of personal protective equipment and monitoring of temperature; compliance with physical distancing; provision of washing facilities at strategic locations; and regular disinfection of equipment and work area, among others.
“We have complied with the safety protocols laid out by the government for the implementation of infrastructure projects amid modified enhanced community quarantine,” Bautista said.
He also said that “with the acceleration of these projects, we can help the government in its aim to revitalize the economy despite the ongoing health crisis”.
Construction of the remaining portion of the 2.6-km NLEX Harbor Link C3-R10 Section is now underway between the new Caloocan Interchange, C3 Road, Caloocan City to Radial Road 10, and Navotas City.
Bautista said the project is now 95 percent in progress and the completion is seen as a crucial infrastructure that will help alleviate traffic congestion as it would cut travel time from NLEX to CAMANAVA (Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela) area from one hour to 10 minutes.
Last February, NLEX Corporation opened the Malabon Exit of the Harbor Link project and has since eased travel for motorists and commuters in the area.
Meanwhile, works on the eight-kilometer NLEX Connector road also resumed.
This infrastructure project will traverse the new Caloocan Interchange, pass through España, and eventually link up with the Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 in Sta. Mesa, Manila.
Also ongoing is the capacity expansion of the 8.2-kilometer Subic Freeport Expressway (SFEX) aimed at improving traffic safety and reduce travel time to and from the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.
The civil works for SFEX Capacity Expansion Project, which is now 38 percent complete, include construction of two additional lanes, two new bridges, and a new tunnel.
Heavy maintenance of the five-kilometer Candaba Viaduct is likewise in progress to restore the driving comfort of motorists. Emergency repairs are already ongoing underneath the bridge while the replacement of link slabs will be scheduled.
Meanwhile, the construction of additional lanes at Clark South Toll Plaza is also set to resume. (PNA)
