SCTEX Pasig Potrero bridge reopens to all vehicle classes

MANILA: NLEX Corporation, the concessionaire and operator of Subic–Clark–Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), has officially reopened the SCTEX Pasig Potrero bridge to all vehicle classes.

“We are happy to announce that we are reopening the Pasig Potrero bridge to traffic after undergoing rehabilitation works. Travel will again be more convenient and seamless as this will alleviate traffic for motorists coming from Clark to Subic, and vice versa,” NLEX Corporation President J. Luigi Bautista stated.

In order to further strengthen the infrastructure, NLEX Corporation vowed to continue its renovation efforts even though the bridge has now reopened.

It will be recalled that in July, due to the severe rains caused by the southwest monsoon and typhoon Dodong, NLEX Corporation closed the bridge to all vehicles in order to perform an emergency safety inspection and assessment.

After a thorough assessment, the closure was deemed necessary while repairs were being made.

NLEX Corporation began the emergency substructure strengthening work immediately, but because of the erratic weather and the area's high water level, the team faced challenges in completing the safety works.

“It was very challenging whenever heavy rain started to pour. As much as we wanted to expedite the works, the heavy river flow and high water level in the area made it difficult for the team to proceed. There were times where we had to temporarily stop and wait for the weather to improve and water level to recede before we were able to resume,” Bautista recalled.

The bridge was reopened to Class 1 cars on August 7 following another safety evaluation, while strengthening works were still taking place under the bridge.

NLEX Corporation also shared that they are planning various enhancement projects to upgrade the travel experience along SCTEX. These include upgrading of roadway lights and signages, maintenance and improvement works for several toll plazas, pavement replacement and crack sealing, guardrail and fence repairs, RFID system enhancements, toll systems upgrade, Dinalupihan road raising, and Porac Gumain and San Matias bridges repair and upgrade.

Photo from NLEX Corporation

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