NLEX-SCTEX projects resume construction

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Workers at the Harbor Link construction site. Photo from nlex.com.ph

Construction activities on NLEX Corp’s major projects such as the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) Harbor Link C3-R10 Section, NLEX Connector, and Subic Freeport Expressway (SFEX) Capacity Expansion have resumed after receiving approval from the government.

The tollway company said together with its contractors, they are taking all the necessary measures based on guidelines by the Inter-agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Department of Health, Department of Labor and Employment, and Department of Public Works and Highways.

These measures include rapid antibody testing of workers; strict observance of safety and hygiene protocols such as wearing of personal protective equipment and 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,” NLEX Corp. president and general manager Luigi L. Bautista said in a statement.

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.”

Construction of the remaining portion of the 2.6-kilometer (km) 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%. It 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. Last February, NLEX Corp. opened the Malabon Exit of the Harbor Link project and has since eased travel for motorists and commuters in the area.

Works on the NLEX Connector, an 8-km all elevated expressway, have also resumed. The infrastructure project will traverse the new Caloocan Interchange, pass through España, Manila, 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-km SFEX aimed at improving traffic safety and reduce 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.

Meanwhile, construction of additional lanes at Clark South Toll Plaza is 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 said.