ANGELES CITY -- The Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (PamCham) is pushing for more infrastructure projects to boost economic development.

PamCham president Rene Romero said the business chamber is coordinating with both the government and the private sector with regards to the agenda.

“PamCham is banking on infrastructure improvement, modernization. We are asking the government and private sector to improve our infrastructure and make them good,” Romero said.

PamCham officials recently met with the leaders of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) for the tollway firm to cope with the massive development in Pampanga and other parts of Central Luzon, according to the PamCham head.

He disclosed that the NLEX is set to implement a major rehabilitation on the 5,000 meter Candaba viaduct which traverses from Apalit town in Pampanga to Pulilan in Bulacan.

“We are worried about the state of the viaduct, I believe it is already 48 years old,” Romero said.

NLEX has sought the support of PamCham and the business sector during the rehabilitation period.

“We need to support the project otherwise the rehabilitation of the bridge will not be completed,” the PamCham president said.

Romero said they also suggested to the NLEX Corporation that the toll plaza at the City of San Fernando going to Manila be transferred to accommodate more south-bound vehicles going inside the expressway and prevent traffic congestion in the area.

“The toll plaza is too close. During rush hours and when about four trucks enter the NLEX at the same time, vehicles especially those going to SM City Pampanga, Robinsons Starmills and Mexico town cannot pass through,” he added.

“We suggested that the toll plaza be relocated 500 meters going inside the NLEX so that the queueing area will be extended because when the Azure properties opens that area will be busy,” Romero said.