NLEX Corp. resumes works on major infra projects

NLEx Corp. on Wednesday said it has resumed construction activities of its major infrastructure projects such as the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) Harbor Link C3-R10 Section, NLEX Connector, Subic Freeport Expressway (SFEx) Capacity Expansion, and the heavy maintenance program for the Candaba Viaduct.

In a statement, NLEX Corp. said it resumed construction activities after receiving an approval from government regulators.

NLEX Corp. said the tollway company as well as its contractors are taking all the necessary measures based on the guidelines of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to promote the health and safety of workers while at the same time ensuring the continuity of projects.

The measures include rapid antibody testing of workers, strict observance of safety and hygiene protocols such as wearing of personal protective equipment. monitoring of temperature, compliance to physical distancing, provision of washing facilities at strategic locations, and regular disinfection of equipment and work area, among others.

“We have complied with the safety protocols laid out by the government for the implementation of infrastructure projects amid modified enhanced community quarantine,” said NLEX Corp. president and general manager J. Luigi Bautista.

Bautista noted that “with the acceleration of these projects, we can help the government in its aim to revitalize the economy despite the ongoing health crisis.”

The construction of the remaining portion of the 2.6-kilometer NLEX Harbor Link C3-R10 Section is now underway between the new Caloocan Interchange, C3 Road, Caloocan City to Radial Road 10, Navotas City.

The project’s progress currently stands at 95%, according to the company.

In a separate statement, Public Works Secretary Mark Villar said the project is seen to be completed by June 15.

NLEX Harbor Link C3-R10 Section is seen as a crucial infrastructure that will help alleviate traffic congestion as it would cut travel time from NLEX to CAMANAVA from one hour to 10 minutes, NLEX Corp. said.

Meanwhile, work on the NLEX Connector, an eight-kilometer all elevated expressway, also resumed.

This infrastructure project will traverse the new Caloocan Interchange, pass through España, and eventually link up with the Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 in Sta. Mesa, Manila.

Also ongoing is the capacity expansion of the 8.2-kilometer Subic Freeport Expressway (SFEx) aimed at improving traffic safety and reducing travel time to and from the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

The civil works for SFEx Capacity Expansion Project, which is now 38% complete, include construction of two additional lanes, two new bridges, and a new tunnel.

Heavy maintenance of the five-kilometer Candaba Viaduct is likewise in progress to restore the driving comfort of motorists, NLEX Corp. said.

Emergency repairs are already ongoing underneath the bridge while the replacement of link slabs will be scheduled.

Meanwhile, the construction of additional lanes at Clark South Toll Plaza is also set to resume.

“Despite the challenging times, our team remains committed to accomplish our big-ticket projects and continue the 24/7 service to our customers and other stakeholders,” Bautista added. —LDF, GMA News