Several months ago, the North Luzon Expressway Corporation (NLEX Corp.), announced its plans of making the Candaba Viaduct safer by strengthening its infrastructure. This of course is for the safety of motorists plying NLEX. More recently, the company released a statement that it will now start to upgrade the bridge, and heavy vehicles will be rerouted starting July 11, 2022.
The Candaba Viaduct
A total of 13 new link slabs will be installed as part of the upgrade. Of note, the said rerouting plan is intended for trucks with 12 wheels or more. This diverting of particularly heavy trucks was upon the recommendation of AMH Philippines, an engineering consultancy firm that NLEX Corp. hired for the project.
According to AMH, the southbound section of the viaduct in particular “is still being adversely affected by heavy loads.” To ensure the safety of NLEX road users, the firm suggested that heavy trucks should be restricted on the section of the viaduct while construction is on-going.
To be more specific, the weight limit clocks in at 33 tons. AMH stressed that this decision is not only important for safety, but this is also particularly crucial for the longevity of the Candaba Viaduct.
With that said, NLEX Corp. made it clear that Class 1 and 2 vehicles, as well as trucks weighing below 33 tons can still use the southbound section of the Candaba Viaduct. Meanwhile, no rerouting scheme will be implemented on the northbound section.
Below the Candaba Viaduct [Photo: Judgefloro]
NLEX Corp. will be deploying traffic marshals to facilitate the detour smoothly, as well as place traffic signs in strategic locations on the thoroughfare. More information about the rerouting will also be released via social media and other means.
For those unaware, the Candaba Viaduct is an elevated portion of the NLEX. It is also known as the Pulilan-Apalit Bridge, and it is located in Apalit, Pampanga. Construction work is expected to take about six months.
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