NLEX to elevate Pampanga bridge before yearend

MANILA, Philippines — Preliminary works to elevate a 200-meter portion of a bridge along the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) in San Simon, Pampanga will be completed before the end of the year.

The portion of the expressway was submerged in floodwater after the Pampanga River overflowed amid heavy rainfall caused by Typhoons Egay and Falcon, resulting in massive traffic jam.

NLEX said it would also raise the pavement of the San Simon ramp and improve its drainage system.

“The goal is to enhance safety, accessibility and mobility of motorists, especially during the rainy season. We aim to complete the project as soon as possible with minimal disruption to motorists,” NLEX president J. Luigi Bautista said.

He said the Department of Public Works and Highways would also raise the Tulaoc overpass to allow NLEX to elevate the portion of the expressway.

President Marcos supported plans to raise the overpass during a recent briefing with local government officials of Pampanga. – Ramon Efren Lazaro

“We are very grateful for the support of the President. His go-signal to raise the Tulaoc overpass will definitely help fasttrack our San Simon road-raising project,” Bautista said.

At the same briefing, Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. president Rogelio Singson proposed the construction of  a water impounding facility in Candaba as a long-term solution to prevent flooding in nearby and low-laying areas in Pampanga.