Construction of 3rd viaduct in NLEX begins, PPP-funded projects lauded

The two existing viaducts or bridges over portions of Candaba and San Simon towns in Pampanga province. (Contributed)

MANILA, Philippines — More public-private partnerships (PPP) will result in the country’s development.

House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez said this in his speech on Wednesday at the groundbreaking ceremony of the third Candaba viaduct along North Luzon Expressway (NLEx).

“The Candaba Third Viaduct serves as a symbol of the fruitful partnership between the government and the private sector,” he said.

“It is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together towards a common goal,” he added.

The bridge that will be constructed is located in Pampanga.

It will connect the province with Bulacan.

The viaduct is being built by Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC).

This is the same company that rehabilitated NLEx.

MPTC is also currently operating the expressway.

The construction of the third viaduct is expected to be finished in November 2024.

At present, the expressway has two viaducts.

One is along the northbound side and another is on the southbound lane.

As traffic in and out of Central Luzon increases, the existing bridges quickly fill up during rush hours and holidays.

The new viaduct will serve as an inner shoulder for the two bridges.

The first and second viaducts were built in the 1970s.

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