NLEX Corp. intends to complete the San Simon pavement- raising project before the end of the year to ensure minimum traffic disruption at the North Luzon Expresseway (NLEX).
On September 23, the company will begin construction of 200-meter of the project. The pavement-raising is part of the flood mitigation program at the expressway.
The tollway company said it will work 24/7 to ensure the pavement raising project under the Tulaoc overpass will be completed on schedule. This is to ensure minimum traffic disruption for the motorists’ convenience.
“We would like to remind our motorists to expect a high volume of traffic in the area once the project starts. While this may cause temporary inconvenience for our motorists, the long-term benefit of a flood-free road will be experienced once we fully complete the elevation of this San Simon area,” said J. Luigi Bautista, NLEX Corp. president.
Starting at the northbound direction, the company assures that two lanes per direction will be available for motorists during the construction works.
A counterflow will be opened in the opposite direction to ensure seamless travel for motorists despite the lane closures, it said.
The same traffic management scheme will be applied to the southbound direction once the works at the northbound portion are done, it added.
The tollway company is advising motorists to plan their trips and expect heavy volume of traffic during the pavement raising.
The company said it has coordinated with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and concerned local government units to provide alternative routes for motorists in case traffic congestion is experienced.
Since August, NLEX has been undertaking preliminary works under the Tulaoc overpass in San Simon in preparation for the construction of the project, which includes the completion of the detailed engineering design for the pavement raising of both the northbound and southbound portions.
Apart from elevating the 200-meter portion by 0.7 meters, NLEX plans to add another 0.3 meters on the pavement once the raising of the Tulaoc overpass by DPWH is completed, raising the portion by a total of 1 meter.
To minimize traffic slowdowns and provide immediate roadside assistance, the tollway company will deploy patrol crews and traffic marshals, install traffic signs in strategic locations, and post regular traffic updates on electronic variable message signs and social media accounts. – Myla Iglesias
