The NLEX Corporation is undertaking simultaneous rehabilitation of two bridges in this province to provide motorists safer and smoother expressway travel.

NLEX Corporation president and general manager J. Luigi L. Bautista, in a statement on Thursday, said it is high time that the girders and slabs of the two bridges which were built in the 1960s are replaced to strengthen the structures.

“We always look after the safety and convenience of our motorists,” Bautista said.

The 45-meter Meycauayan Bridge rehabilitation is targeted for completion by September 2021 while the 64-meter Bigaa Bridge in Balagtas town is expected to be finished by August 2021.

“We’d like to assure our motorists that we will do everything possible to complete the works on time while ensuring public safety and minimizing traffic slowdown,” he said.

Three lanes have remained passable to motorists while works are ongoing.

To keep the traffic flowing as efficiently as possible, works on both bridges are being undertaken in stages, starting with the southbound portion, to be followed by the northbound portion.

NLEX Corporation appealed for patience and understanding from the motoring public but also gave assurance that efforts will be made to minimize traffic disruption.

Motorists are also advised to plan their trips ahead while allowing for a slightly longer travel time.

“Motorists may experience temporary delays since lane closures and counterflow are being implemented in the said areas,” Bautista said.

The tollway company will field patrol officers and marshals to manage the flow of vehicles and place traffic signs and other warning devices at strategic locations to better guide motorists in the duration of the rehabilitation.

Traffic updates and lane closure schedules are announced via the social media accounts of NLEX Corporation. Motorists may likewise call the hotline 1-35000 for updates or concerns.

Aside from this project, NLEX is also working on the upgrade of the Candaba Viaduct, the safety repair of Pau Bridge, the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) Pasig-Potrero Bridge and the pavement maintenance program covering both NLEX and SCTEX.

NLEX Corporation is a subsidiary of the Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation, the toll road arm of the Metro Pacific Investments Corporation. (PNA)