NLEX Corp. is reopening the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) Pasig Potrero Bridge to all vehicle classes today, September 29, after undergoing rehabilitation works.
“Travel will again be more convenient and seamless as this will alleviate traffic for motorists coming from Clark to Subic, and vice versa,” said J. Luigi Bautista, NLEX Corp. president.
Bautista reassured the public that while the bridge is reopened, the company will continue the rehabilitation works to further strengthen the bridge.
On July 16, NLEX Corp., the concessionaire and operator of SCTEX, closed the bridge to all vehicles to conduct an emergency safety inspection and assessment due to constant heavy rains brought by the southwest monsoon and Typhoon Dodong.
After a thorough assessment by a third-party bridge expert, it was decided that the closure was necessary while repairs works were ongoing. This is to ensure the safety of motorists as the heavy rains and strong river flow affected certain portions of the bridge, the company said.
It immediately proceeded with the emergency substructure strengthening works, but due to the unpredictable weather and the high water level in the area, the team encountered difficulties in facilitating the safety works, rhe tollway company added.
“It was very challenging whenever heavy rain starts to pour. As much as we wanted to expedite the works, the heavy river flow and high water level in the area made it difficult for the team to proceed. There were times where we had to temporarily stop and wait for the weather to improve and water level to recede before we were able to resume,” Bautista explained.
After undergoing another safety assessment, the bridge was reopened on August 7 to class 1 vehicles while the strengthening works continue under the bridge.
