THE first five kilometer section of NLEX Connector between Caloocan and España interchanges has achieved substantial completion and is scheduled for opening within the month.
This was announced by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the grantor of the NLEX Connector project, during the final inspection of the road led by DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime J. Bautista, Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC) President and CEO Rodrigo E. Franco and NLEX Corporation President and GM J. Luigi L. Bautista. The inspection was conducted as part of regulatory requirements to ensure the safety and convenience of the motoring public.
Now 98 percent complete, the NLEX Connector España Section is expected to reduce traffic congestion in the City of Manila such as España Boulevard, Abad Santos Avenue, Rizal Avenue and Lacson Avenue as it will divert trucks and other vehicles from the capital’s major roads. The elevated expressway is being eyed to provide greater access to several areas in Manila including the University Belt.
“We are on our final stretch of construction for this first segment of the NLEX Connector and we are looking forward to opening it before the end of March. The next phase of this project is the three-kilometer section from España to Sta. Mesa, which DPWH and NLEX are accelerating so we can finish by the second quarter of this year,” said DPWH Secretary Bonoan.
Designed to cater to all vehicle classes including trucks, the four-lane (2×2) NLEX Connector intends to stimulate economic growth by significantly improving the mobility of motorists thus boost overall productivity.
For his part, DOTr Secretary Bautista said “the NLEX Connector augurs well for the agency’s mandate of providing convenient access for road users as it will address traffic congestion. We will ensure that a holistic traffic management plan will be in order so motorists can travel safely and seamlessly.”
Around 35,000 vehicles daily are anticipated to benefit from this new road that is seen to provide infrastructure support to decongest local roads and enhance the operations of various businesses especially those in logistics sector as cargo trucks can pass through the road 24/7 without having to worry about truck ban.
“We started constructing the NLEX Connector España Section in February 2020, and construction was continuous despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the many challenges, we are pleased that the project is almost complete. We will continue to be a strategic partner of the government and focus on our goal of completing this infrastructure that will facilitate greater connection between the north and south,” said NLEX President and GM Bautista.
In its entirety, the NLEX Connector stretches eight kilometers starting from Caloocan Interchange on C3 Road, Dimasalang, España Blvd., R. Magsaysay Blvd., up to the vicinity of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) in Sta. Mesa, Manila. It has on and off ramps at C3, España Blvd., and R. Magsaysay Blvd.
NLEX Corporation is a subsidiary of the Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), the toll road arm of the Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC).
