CITY OF SAN FERNANDO Governor Dennis "Delta" Pineda on Tuesday said he respects the decision of North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) not to allow heavy trucks weighing more than 33 tons on the NLEX Candaba Viaduct which will be undergoing major repairs.
"I respect the decision of NLEX Corporation to not allow vehicles with a load of more than 33 tons to pass through the Candaba Viaduct starting August 2," Pineda said after a meeting with officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways.
The 46-year-old Candaba Viaduct is nearing its fatigue life of 50 years.
NLEX restricts the use of the southbound side of Candaba Viaduct and only allows 10 wheeler trucks and those weighing less than 33 tons as repairs are undertaken.
Pineda said that Pampanga truckers vowed to cooperate with the requirements.
"Nakiisa po sa akin ang mga quarry operators at haulers na itigil muna ang operasyon sa loob ng dalawang linggo. Magpuputol sila ng sidings ng trucks para seguraduhin na hindi ito overloaded. Maglalagay po kami ng bagong stickers sa mga magko-comply," Pineda said.
The NLEX, Land Transportation Office, Highway Patrol Group and Pampanga Provincial Government will also form a task force to comply with the anti-overloading law (Republic Act No. 8794) to protect the roads in the province.
"Ano man po ang goods na dala ninyo, kaspag sumobra kayo sa 33 tons ay hindi kayo papapasukin ng NLEX. Better na makipagtulungan na kayo all the truckers from the North
going to South na kung pwede ay respetuhin natin yung decision ng NLex," Pineda said.
NLEX Corporation needs to immediately rehabilitate and save the Candaba viaduct, according to the governor.