NLEX Corp. on Tuesday said the company is on track to complete the construction of the five-kilometer Candaba 3rd Viaduct between Pampanga and Bulacan by November this year as scheduled.
The operator of North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and Subic – Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) said it successfully installed the first girder of the viaduct marking the project’s halfway point.
The installation of the first girder marks the transition from groundwork-heavy construction to road-level work, minimizing the project’s dependence on ground access. This ensures that work continues regardless of weather condition.
“This achievement shows NLEX’s commitment to complete the project by November 2024,” J. Luigi L. Bautista, NLEX president and general manager, said.
“We are very glad that our chosen construction partner, Leighton Contractors (Asia) Limited, is one with us in our objective to expedite work on the project while prioritizing the safety of all workers and ensuring the structural soundness of the new bridge,” he added.
This development coincides with the project hitting the one million safe man-hour metric which is a reflection of the culture of safety and conducive work environment in the construction of the viaduct.
The Candaba 3rd Viaduct Project spans over five kilometers and situated between two existing bridges connecting the towns of Pulilan, Bulacan, and Apalit, Pampanga.
Upon its completion, the Candaba Viaduct will widen to three lanes with inner and outer shoulders in each direction, thereby enhancing safety and mobility for motorists.
The Candaba Viaduct is a vital link for motorists traveling to and from Metro Manila and provinces in Central and North Luzon for over 50 years now. It has withstood natural disasters such as severe typhoons and extreme earthquakes.
Since 2005, the tollway company has regularly upgraded the viaduct. Some of the completed works include pavement resurfacing; bridge link slab, girder, and deck replacement; girder and column strengthening; and construction of lay-bys or emergency stops in both northbound and southbound directions of the bridge.
