City of San Fernando, Pampanga – The rehabilitation of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) Bridge in Porac, Pampanga is moving forward as government agencies and stakeholders intensified coordination to ensure the timely implementation of the multi-billion-peso infrastructure project.
Pampanga Vice Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda convened an emergency meeting with officials of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), members of the Porac Quarry Association, project contractors, concerned government agencies, and other stakeholders to discuss ongoing activities within the 1.5-kilometer radius of the SCTEX Bridge.
The meeting aimed to assess the current status of the rehabilitation works and immediately address technical, traffic management, public safety, and environmental concerns related to the project.
According to Engr. Randy Viacrusis, BCDA Vice President for Strategic Projects Management, the rehabilitation is essential to protect the SCTEX Bridge as a vital national infrastructure asset while ensuring the uninterrupted movement of people, goods, and services across Central Luzon.
Based on BCDA’s latest update, the comprehensive rehabilitation program is estimated to cost approximately ₱3 billion.
A major component of the project is the construction of a diversion channel designed to serve as the bridge’s first line of defense against strong river currents. Steel sheet piles will be installed to redirect water flow from upstream to downstream, reducing erosion around the bridge foundations.
Under Package 1A, valued at ₱2.089 billion, rehabilitation works will focus on restoring the bridge structure. Since portions of the pile foundations have already been exposed due to river degradation, temporary support structures will first be installed before the affected bridge columns are demolished and reconstructed.
Meanwhile, Package 1B, worth ₱764 million, will implement a long-term solution to the declining riverbed through the construction of a groundsill. The structure will help maintain the riverbed’s proper elevation and prevent further scouring that could compromise the bridge’s foundation.
BCDA emphasized that these interventions are necessary to preserve the structural integrity of the SCTEX Bridge and ensure the safety of motorists using one of Central Luzon’s most critical transport corridors.
Vice Governor Pineda expressed the Provincial Government of Pampanga’s full support for the BCDA-led rehabilitation program. Through an inter-agency task force, the provincial government committed to assisting in expediting project implementation, including coordinating with residents and businesses that may be affected by the rehabilitation activities.
The SCTEX Bridge serves as a vital infrastructure linking major economic zones, airports, seaports, and provinces in Central Luzon. Officials said its rehabilitation will help sustain efficient transportation, facilitate trade and investment, enhance public safety, and strengthen the region’s connectivity as a key driver of economic growth.