Tulaoc bridge, San Simon, Pampanga (Photo courtesy of NLEX)
MANILA – The Department of Public Works and Highways said the plan to raise by 0.7 meters the Tulaoc bridge in the San Simon, Pampanga part of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) will be done once funds become available “in the next few weeks.”
Secretary Manuel Bonoan said in a Palace briefing on Tuesday that he is confident that funds will be sourced immediately since President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has deemed the bridge repair as urgent matter.
“Hindi naman masyadong mabigat na trahaho iyan because it’s an existing bridge. We just have to jack it up, ma-i-akyat namin ng about 0.7 meters yata iyong gagawin and then consequently kapag naitaas namin, sila naman sa NLEX itataas din nila iyong pavement nila. Ganoon po iyong arrangement namin (That’s not a heavy job because it’s an existing bridge. We just have to jack it up, raise it by about 0.7 meters. Consequently, once we’re done NLEX will also elevate its pavement. That’s our arrangement),” he said.
The bridge work aims to address the flooding in that portion of NLEX days after the river overflowed following the onslaught of tropical cyclones Egay and Falcon that enhanced the southwest monsoon.
Both lanes are already passable since Aug. 6.
The President attended a situation briefing in Pampanga on Monday and has agreed to a proposal to raise a portion of the San Simon, Pampanga part of NLEX as a medium-term solution.
The long-term solution is the construction of a water impounding facility in Candaba town, the catch basin of water coming from surrounding areas. (PNA)
