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Subic Bay International Terminal Corp. can start issuing passes to trucks weighing within the current limit to use the Candaba Viaduct from November after NLEX Corp. certified SBITC’s weighbridge
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The new arrangement will take effect starting November 2 and will be available 24/7
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SBITC says the 29.4 tons static/actual weight, equivalent to 33 tons in rolling weight, will be used as the metric for a green SBITC-NLEX Candaba Pass
NLEX Corp. has accredited the weighbridge of Subic Bay International Terminal Corp. (SBITC), allowing the port operator to issue passes to trucks that weigh within the 33-ton limit to traverse the Candaba Viaduct.
Implementation will start on November 2 and will be on a 24/7 basis, SBITC said in an advisory on October 27.
The 29.4 tons static/actual weight (equivalent to 33 tons rolling weight) is the metric for a green SBITC-NLEX Candaba Pass.
To obtain an SBITC-NLEX Candaba Pass, truckers have to take the following steps:
- Settle terminal charges – Upon payment of arrastre and other terminal charges, secure an SBITC gate pass by including the payment for the truck scale/weighing (P112) and equipment interchange receipt (EIR) weigh ticket reprinting (P300). This will serve as an official request for import weighing. Payment for import weighing can be settled during official billing hours only.
- Prepare pertinent documents – Provide the truck driver with the printed SBITC gate pass and official receipt that indicates the settled truck scale/weighing and EIR weigh ticket reprinting. Present these at the West Gate (exit gate) for execution of import weighing. No official receipt, no import weighing.
- Gate in for import delivery – The truck driver will proceed with the normal procedure for import delivery at East Gate (entry point).
- Queue for import weighing – At the West Gate, the driver will get in line for trucks that had paid for weighing. Look for the “Truck Scale/Weighing” sign and prepare the official receipt.
- Drive onto the weighbridge at West Gate – Upon instruction from SBITC personnel/security, the truck driver will proceed with import weighing on the weighbridge. SBITC personnel will give the EIR weigh ticket to the driver and another copy to the NLEX Corp. personnel.
- Claim the Candaba Pass – Claim the color-coded SBITC-NLEX Candaba Pass from the NLEX Corp. personnel stationed at SBITC West Gate. A green pass will grant trucks within the weight limit passage through the Candaba Viaduct.
The Candaba Pass is either in green or yellow:
- Green – Trucks allowed on the Candaba Viaduct with 33 tons and below rolling weight or 29.4 tons static/actual weight.
- Yellow – Trucks restricted from the Candaba Viaduct with 33 tons rolling weight or 29.4 tons in static/actual weight.
NLEX Corp., which operates North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) where the Candaba Viaduct is a section, had said earlier that trucks with 12 wheels and more will be rerouted during the urgent major safety upgrade of the southbound lanes of the Candaba Viaduct. The toll operator said the safety upgrade will ensure the integrity of the viaduct for the safety of motorists.
READ: Vehicles 33 tons and up barred from southbound Candaba Viaduct
NLEX Corp. said inspection and reassessment of the viaduct by engineering consultant AMH Philippines showed that its southbound carriageway is still being burdened by heavy load. The consultant has recommended taking immediate measures to address the issue for the safety and long-term serviceability of the viaduct.
The tollway company sees the rerouting scheme for trucks with 12-wheels and more as one of the immediate solutions to preserve the infrastructure while it undergoes the safety upgrade.
NLEX Corp. had said earlier it was also expediting construction of a third viaduct, expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2024.
Vehicles that weigh less than 33 tons (10-wheeler and below) and trucks carrying empty containers may still pass the Candaba Viaduct. The northbound carriageway of the viaduct is not affected by the policy. – Roumina Pablo
