NLEX Corp. will undergo major rehabilitation of the southbound portion of the Candaba viaduct starting Monday (July 11).
The “urgent” major upgrade was aimed at improving road safety and addressing the long-term serviceability of the structure.
NLEX said its engineering consultant proposed to limit the trucks using the southbound portion to a maximum of 10-wheels, and should not exceed a gross vehicle weight of 33 tons.
“Upon the inspection and reassessment of AMH Philippines, our engineering consultant, the southbound viaduct is still being adversely affected by heavy loads and in the interest of public safety, there is an immediate precautionary need to restrict the weight of vehicles traveling on it, while the retrofitting of the structure is ongoing,” NLEX president Luigi Bautista said.
In line with the upcoming upgrade works, a rerouting plan for trucks with 12 wheels and more will be implemented starting on the same day.
Class 1 and 2 vehicles, as well as 10-wheeler trucks below 33 tons, are still allowed to use the southbound portion of the viaduct.
NLEX said the northbound portion of Candaba would not be affected by the rerouting scheme.
Meanwhile, NLEX is expediting the construction of a third viaduct, which is expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2024.
“The safety of our motorists has always been our topmost priority that’s why we conduct regular monitoring and implement necessary repairs and enhancements of our roads and bridges,” Bautista said.