NLEX completes slab link upgrade on Candaba Viaduct southbound

Around late last year, we were surprised to see several ramps placed on the 5-kilometer southbound stretch of the Candaba Viaduct along North Luzon Expressway (NLEX). According to NLEX Corporation, the ramps are Bailey Bridges that allowed the company to do rehabilitation work on the said viaduct, while simultaneously allowing vehicles to cross over.

Motorists that frequently drive on NLEX will know that the Candaba Viaduct isn't comfortable to drive on. This is mainly due to the big dips and uneven expansion joints; the result of constant wear and tear from use and the elements.

Fast forward to the present, and NLEX Corporation announced that rehabilitation works on the southbound section of the viaduct have been completed ahead of schedule. About 25 concrete bridge link slabs that connect two bridge spans have been replaced with a pot-bearing system to restore driving comfort for motorists. Thirteen of the slab replacements were completed in 2020, while the other 12 were undertaken this year.

“We have slated a series of upgrades for the viaduct as a result of the bridge condition survey and engineering study that we commissioned in 2018. We are optimistic that these improvements will enhance the capacity and efficiency of our expressway thus promote safety and provide better service to our motorists,” said J. Luigi L. Bautista, president, and general manager of NLEX Corporation.

With work on the southbound segment complete, NLEX Corporation said that they will begin rehabilitation works on the northbound segment this coming July 2021. Similar to the southbound direction, motorists will be required to slow down and use Bailey Bridges. This will allow cars, vans, small trucks, and buses to cross over the link slab construction sites. A counterflow lane on the southbound lane will also be available for cargo trucks and other vehicles.

There's no exact day yet as to when NLEX Corporation will begin the northbound rehabilitation works in July. But in case you have scheduled trips in Central or Northern Luzon soon, better plan out those trips in advance.