SCTEX bridge impassable

CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga, Philippines – The approach to a bridge spanning the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) in Porac in this province collapsed yesterday afternoon, causing authorities to close a portion of it to traffic.

SCTEX concessionaire Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) said only the damaged portion was closed to traffic.

Engineer Joshua Bingcang, project manager of the SCTEX services development, told The STAR that the four-lane concrete bridge remained intact and that only the southern abutment had eroded.

“The bridge is safe, but a two-meter portion of the southern abutment gave way so we had to close that portion to motorists,” Bingcang said.

The bridge spans the Pasig-Potrero River, a former lahar channel emanating from the slopes of Mt. Pinatubo.

“The first to erode were the lands planted with cassava. The eroded soil blocked the channel and was pushed by the water current toward the abutment of the bridge which also eroded,” Bingcang said.

Nick Manalo of the Manila North Tollways Corp. (MNTC) said his firm has been operating the SCTEX since five years ago. He referred queries to the BCDA.

In a statement, the BCDA said rains over the past few days resulted in strong currents in the Pasig-Potrero River.

It said the downpour caused the saturation and erosion of properties adjacent to SCTEX, which caused the current to be redirected toward the approach of the Pasig-Potrero River.

“A section of SCTEX from Clark South going to Porac has been closed as a result to ensure the safety of motorists. Rerouting of traffic flow to and from the Subic area and surrounding towns is currently being implemented, while technical assessment on the damage is ongoing,” BCDA said. – Ding Cervantes, Dino Balabo