NLEX lines up more projects for SCTEX

MANILA, Philippines — NLEX Corp. is lining up more projects at the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) on top of the P2.6 billion worth of infrastructure developments, that have been implemented since it took over the expressway’s management, operation, and maintenance.

NLEX president and general manager Luigi Bautista said more projects have been lined up for SCTEX in the coming years involving interchange and system enhancements.

For this year, he said the tollway company is focusing on the ongoing repair and strengthening of Pasig Potrero Bridge and the road raising project at Dinalupihan, which cost P152 million and P148.5 million, respectively.

The 720-meter Pasig-Potrero bridge, which serves as a vital link between Subic and Clark, is being strengthened since 2020 as it is experiencing riverbed degradation resulting in the bridge support piles being exposed.

NLEX said the sand surrounding the bridge piers have diminished over time due to quarry operations in the area.

To improve the bridge’s serviceability and protect its structure, the company said sheet piles or steel sheets and gabions are being installed to retain the sand behind the piers.

NLEX said the elevation of a 640-meter portion of Dinalupihan is also being raised to enhance mobility and facilitate safe passage, especially during the rainy season.

It said engineering works, such as the construction of new pavement on top of the existing one, and the addition of new culverts or drainage structures are being undertaken to reduce the vulnerability of the road to flooding and improve the drainage system.

So far, around P2.6 billion worth of infrastructure developments geared toward the safety and convenience of motorists have been implemented by NLEX at the SCTEX since it was awarded the concession contract in 2015.

These include various enhancement projects to improve SCTEX’s pavement, systems, bridges, slopes, signs, lights and other assets.

“When the SCTEX was turned over to us, we committed to bring the NLEX brand and extend all its features in SCTEX, so we continuously invest in improving the infrastructure and pursuing innovation to provide efficient service to the motoring public,” Bautista said.

NLEX said one of the most notable improvements undertaken by the company was the P393-million NLEX-SCTEX integration project in 2016, which unified the toll collection of the expressways into a single, seamless system.

The project reduced the cumbersome toll collection stops and made expressway travel hassle-free.

Modernization has likewise become a priority for the company as a new traffic control center was put up along with closed-circuit television systems, emergency call boxes, and variable message signs to better assist motorists and enhance monitoring of traffic along the expressway.