Tollroad operator NLEx Corp. is accelerating the rehabilitation of two bridge projects in Bulacan province with significant completion milestones seen by August 16 this year, or a month ahead of schedule.
The project involves the replacement of components and the strengthening of North Luzon Expressway (NLEx) bridges in Meycauayan and Bigaa in Balagtas.
“We have reached a significant breakthrough in our discussions with our contractor so we can finish ahead of schedule and provide motorists with safer and more convenient travel before the ‘ber’ months begin,” J. Luigi L. Bautista, NLEx Corp. general manager and president, said in a statement.
According to NLEx Corp., this would allow them to achieve the substantial completion of the southbound portions of the project. The company added the northbound side of the Meycauayan would start on July 18, while the northbound section of Bigaa was “steadily progressing.”
NLEx Corp. started rehabilitation activities last April to replace girders and slabs to “strengthen the structures and improve their lifespan.”
“These two bridges are vital in supporting safe, reliable and efficient movement of people and goods between the metro and the provinces in the north,” the company explained.
NLEx Corp. also implemented a new traffic management scheme to address road congestion in the area.
It said the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) allowed them to temporarily open the two-lane service road in Meycauayan for motorists on light vehicles to use as a detour route.
“We are thankful to our partners in DPWH for allowing us to use the service road for light vehicles so we can maintain four lanes in each direction to ease congestion and serve motorists better,” Bautista said.