Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC) unit NLEX Corp. yesterday started the full-blast construction of the P7.89-billion Candaba third viaduct that will replace the existing two old bridges by November 2024.
The five-kilometer Candaba Viaduct entails the construction of a new bridge in the middle of the two existing viaducts. Once completed, this will increase the road capacity of the entire Candaba Viaduct from three lanes without shoulders to three lanes with inner and outer shoulders in each direction.
“This project will not only increase the capacity of the 5-km Candaba Viaduct but will ultimately improve safety and convenience of the motorists, as well as aid in the acceleration and growth of trade and commerce in Central Luzon,” said Rogelio Singson, MPTC president and chief executive officer.
The Candaba Viaduct has been a vital link for motorists traveling between Metro Manila and the provinces in Central and North Luzon for over 50 years now. It has withstood natural disasters such as severe typhoons and extreme earthquakes.
Luigi Bautista, NLEX president and general manager, said based on studies, the construction of the third viaduct is necessary as the current structures are aging and operating at a reduced capacity.
Bautista assured the motoring public majority of the works will not affect the current operations and traffic flow in the two existing viaducts. The construction site will be manned by competent engineers and management teams to ensure efficiency and safety, he said.
“This new mobility project will offer easy journeys and make travel safer for the public traveling between Metro Manila and Central and North Luzon as there will be a new structure to augment the existing ones and will safely allow the speed limit to increase to 60 to 80 kilometers per hour from the current 40 to 60 kilometers per hour,” said Bautista.
“Upon completion, Class 3 vehicles or large trucks will be directed to the new bridge so that the old structures will be relieved of heavy loads,” he added.
