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The southbound carriageway of the Candaba Viaduct on North Luzon Expressway is temporarily closed to all vehicles weighing 33 tons (12-wheeler and up) as repairs are carried out
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The restriction began August 1 and will last until the safety upgrading is completed
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Vehicles weighing less than 33 tons (10-wheeler and below) may still use the Candaba Viaduct
Vehicles weighing 33 tons (12-wheeler and up) are temporarily barred from the southbound carriageway of Candaba Viaduct from August 1 until repairs are completed, the Department of Public Works and Highways, Toll Regulatory Board, and tollway company NLEX Corp jointly announced.
Vehicles that weigh less than 33 tons (10-wheeler and below) may still use the southbound carriageway of the Candaba Viaduct, the agencies said in an advisory.
NLEX Corp., operator of North Luzon Expressway where the Candaba Viaduct comprises a 5-kilometer section, announced early last month that trucks with 12 wheels and more will be rerouted during the urgent major safety upgrade of the southbound carriageway.
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The toll operator said the safety upgrade, which was to start on July 11, would ensure the integrity of the 12-meter high, six-lane viaduct for the safety of motorists.
NLEX Corp. said inspection and reassessment of the viaduct by an engineering consultant showed that its southbound carriageway is fast deteriorating due to heavy loads and has been recommended for immediate upgrading to ensure its safety and long-term serviceability.
The tollway company also sees the rerouting scheme of trucks with 12-wheels and more as one of the immediate solutions to preserve the infrastructure while it conducts the safety upgrade.
NLEX Corp. had said earlier it is expediting the construction of a third viaduct, which is expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2024.
The alternate routes are as follows:
Route 1
- From Angeles/San Fernando, take the Olongapo-Gapan Road passing through Mexico, Sta. Ana, Arayat, Cabiao, San Isidro, and Gapan, Nueva Ecija
- At Gapan, turn right to Maharlika Highway and pass through San Miguel, San Ildefonso, San Rafael
- At San Rafael, turn left to Plaridel Bypass Road
- Enter NLEX at Balagtas Interchange
Route 2
- From Mabalacat, take Mabalacat-Magalang Road
- At Magalang, turn right to Magalang-Arayat Road
- At Arayat, take Olongapo-Gapan Road towards Cabiao, San Isidro, and Gapan
- At Gapan, turn right to Maharlika Highway and pass through San Miguel, San Ildefonso, San Rafael
- At San Rafel, turn left at Plaridel Bypass Road
The northbound carriageway of the Candaba Viaduct will not be affected by the rerouting scheme.
To minimize traffic slowdowns and guide motorists within the repair site, NLEX management earlier said it will deploy patrol crews and traffic marshals and place directional traffic signs at strategic locations.
Traffic updates will be posted on electronic variable message signs and announced via social media accounts.
The rerouting scheme will affect the San Fernando and San Simon toll plazas. For their convenience, motorists are advised to have their RFIDs installed and ensure that their accounts are updated and have sufficient load.
