THE tollways unit of Metro Pacific Investments Corp. yesterday said it has resumed construction works on major toll road projects such as the North Luzon Expressway (NLEx) Harbor Link C3-R10 Section, NLEx connector and the Subic Freeport Expressway (SFEx) capacity expansion.
NLEX Corp. said construction of the remaining portion of the 2.6-kilometer (km) NLEx Harbor Link C3-R10 Section is now underway between the new Caloocan Interchange, Circumferential Road 3, Caloocan City to Radial Road 10, Navotas City.
The project’s progress currently stands at 95 percent.
The project 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 and Valenzuela City) from one hour to 10 minutes.
The company said construction works for the NLEx connector, an 8-km all elevated expressway, also resumed. This 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-km 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.
“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,” Luigi Bautista, NLEX Corp. president and general manager, said.
The company said heavy maintenance of the 5-km Candaba viaduct is likewise in progress to restore driving comfort for motorists. Emergency repairs are 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, the company said.
NLEX Corp. assured that its contractors are taking all the necessary measures based on the Inter Agency Task Force guidelines to promote the health and safety of workers, while at the same time ensuring the continuity of 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 to 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,” said Bautista.
“With the acceleration of these projects, we can help the government in its aim to revitalize the economy despite the ongoing health crisis,” he added.
