Motorists and truckers who frequently go to and from Subic or Zambales will be able to travel along SCTEX once more. After being closed to the public last July and being opened initially to light vehicles only, NLEX Corporation has announced that the Pasig Potrero bridge along SCTEX will reopen starting tomorrow, September 29, 2023, at 6:00 AM.

“We are happy to announce that we are reopening the Pasig Potrero bridge to traffic after undergoing rehabilitation works. Travel will again be more convenient and seamless as this will alleviate traffic for motorists coming from Clark to Subic, and vice versa,” said J. Luigi L. Bautista, NLEX Corporation president.

Bautista also reassured the public that while the bridge will reopen to the public, the company will continue to conduct rehabilitation works to ensure the bridge's integrity and strength. It will be recalled that back on July 16, 2023, NLEX Corporation had to close the bridge to traffic to conduct an emergency safety inspection and assessment due to constant heavy rains.

After a thorough assessment by a third-party bridge expert, it was ultimately decided to temporarily close the Pasig Potrero bridge in order for necessary repair work to be done. This is also to ensure the safety of motorists as the heavy rains and strong river flow damaged portions of the said bridge.

The tollway company proceeded with emergency substructure strengthening works. However, the unpredictable weather and the high water level at the time resulted in difficulties in conducting safety works.

“It was very challenging whenever heavy rain started to pour. As much as we wanted to expedite the works, the heavy river flow and high water level in the area made it difficult for the team to proceed. There were times where we had to temporarily stop and wait for the weather to improve and water level to recede before we were able to resume,” added Bautista.

After undergoing another safety assessment, the bridge was reopened on August 7 to Class 1 vehicles while the strengthening works continued under the bridge. After all is said and done, the bridge will reopen tomorrow for all vehicle classes which will ensure seamless travel to and from Subic via SCTEX.