CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – Clearing public speculations over ongoing earthworks on the Pasig-Potrero River within the 1.5-kilometer radius of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway Bridge in Porac town, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority on Aug. 3 presented at the Capitol here the scope of its P3-billion bridge rehabilitation project.
Vice Gov. Dennis “Delta” Pineda called the emergency meeting with the BCDA, the Porac Quarry Association, project contractors, concerned government agencies, and other groups for all stakeholders precisely to assess the current status of the bridge rehabilitation and address technical, traffic, safety, and environmental concerns.
BCDA vice president for strategic projects management Engr. Randy Viacrusis said the rehabilitation costing some P3 billion aimed to protect the “national asset/infrastructure” and ensure the uninterrupted flow of transportation and commerce, the bridge directly linking the provinces of Bataan, Zambales, Tarlac, and Pampanga.
The project includes the construction of a diversion channel, which will serve as the bridge’s first line of defense against strong water currents. Steel sheet piles will be installed to redirect water flow from upstream to downstream.
Under Package 1A, worth P2.089 billion, the bridge itself will undergo rehabilitation. Since several pile foundations have already been exposed, temporary support structures will first be installed before the affected bridge columns are demolished and reconstructed due to riverbed degradation.
Package 1B, valued at P764 million, focuses on providing a long-term solution to the lowering of the riverbed. A groundsill will be constructed to maintain the proper riverbed elevation and prevent deterioration of the bridge’s foundation.
Viacrusis noted that the aforementioned rehabilitation works are essential to preserve the SCTEX Bridge’s structural integrity and ensure public safety.
Pineda said the provincial government is in full support of the BCDA’s rehabilitation projects, pledging to work closely with the agency through an inter-agency task force to help accelerate the completion of the project.
The vice governor also offered to coordinate with residents and businesses that may be affected by the project.
He noted that the rehabilitation of the SCTEX Bridge is crucial because it is a key infrastructure that serves as a major transportation, trade, and investment corridor in Central Luzon.
By strengthening the bridge and addressing riverbed degradation, the project will help ensure the safety of motorists, maintain the uninterrupted movement of goods and services, and enhance connectivity among provinces, economic zones, airports, and seaports. Pampanga PIO/Photos: Jaja Galang