BCDA implements P207.18M worth of SCTEX infra projects

SAN FERNANDO CITY, Pampanga-State-owned Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) is currently implementing six infrastructure projects worth P207.18 million that is expected to give motorists speedy, comfortable, and convenient travel while plying the 94-km Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX).

These are the P71.62 million Long-Term Permanent Works at Pasig-Potrero Bridge, P18.96 million Protection Works at Gumain Bridge’s Pier Nos. 5 & 6, P7.13 million Construction Management and Supervision of the Long-Term Permanent Works at Pasig-Potrero Bridge, P68.48 million Heavy Maintenance Works– Asphalt Pavement Resurfacing, P12.43 million Heavy Maintenance Works– Bridge Revetment, Slope and Drainage Repair Works, and Fortification Works of the Pasig-Potero Bridge.

BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Arnel Paciano Casanova said five of the six projects are still in their early stages of implementation.

He noted that the P28.56 million fortification works of the SCTEX Pasig-Potero Bridge is on track and will be completed by the end of the July, just in time for the torrential rains that usually come during the months of August to October.

“We are on track in completing the fortification works by the end of July so that when the strong rains come, the structural integrity of the Pasig-Potero Bridge and the temporary Bailey Bridge will not be compromised and ensure the safe travel of the motorists plying the SCTEX,” Casanova said.

Casanova said the fortification works, which is part of the long-term permanent repair works, involves the installation of concrete sheet piles around the damaged abutment of the Pasig-Potero Bridge. 

An abutment refers to the substructure at the end of a bridge span wherein the bridge’s superstructure rests.

He explained that the installation of concrete sheet piles would secure the eroded slope of the bridge abutment as well as its exposed bored piles from further scouring by strong current of floodwaters during the rainy season.

It will be recalled that last year, the strong river current initiated by the heavy downpour during the height of Tropical Storm Maring 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 the Pasig-Potrero Bridge. (BCDA)