SCTEX bridge now fully operational
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, — State-owned Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) announced that the rehabilitated Pasig-Potrero Bridge at the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) is now fully operational effective 4:30PM Friday, September 11.
“The completion of the bridge now allows motorists to use both north and south-bound lanes, depending on their destination, compared to the time when motorists had to detour and use a counter-flow lane. The fully rehabilitated bridge will provide a more convenient and safer travel to motorist,” BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Arnel Paciano Casanova said in a press statement.
It will be recalled that strong river current due to Tropical Maring-enhanced monsoon rains on August 19, 2013 set off a massive erosion of up to 10 hectares of land from the banks of the Pasig-Potrero river that caused the damage to a segment of the toll road that serves as an approach to bridge above it.
By September 10, 2013, BCDA and Department of Public Works and Highways built a bailey bridge as a remedial measure to make the Clark-Porac segment of the toll road accessible to motorists.
Construction and repair works of the bridge started in 2014 following the completion of the detailed design.
Last June, BCDA opened the southbound lane of the repaired bridge to motorists.
“The Php71.6 million long-term and permanent rehabilitation works of the Pasig-Potrero Bridge involved bridge construction, slope protection work, as well as earthworks, sub base and base course, and surface courses, among others,” Casanova shared.
BCDA is the builder and owner of SCTEX. (CLJD-PIA 3)