NLEX opens to motorists 64 new lane kilometers after project
The NLEX Corporation, formerly Manila North Tollways Corporation, opens to motorists a total of 64 new lane kilometers in the provinces of Bulacan and Pampanga to help ease travel convenience and promote growth of local businesses in North and Central Luzon.
The opening of the new expressway lanes, which was approved by the government, supports President Duterte administration’s “Build Build Build” mission to decongest traffic in urban areas and boost socio-economic growth with infrastructures that facilitate more efficient transport of goods and services.
The NLEX Corp. has invested R2.9 billion to improve the road capacity of the expressway from Sta. Rita, Guiguinto, Bulacan to San Fernando City. The firm has expanded the section to 3×3 lanes, from the previous 2×2 lanes in each direction.
To further ensure motorist comfort, lay-bys or emergency stops at both northbound and southbound directions of the 5-km long Candaba Viaduct, were constructed and the shoulder lanes were upgraded as third lanes.
Aside from adding new lanes, NLEX Corp. has extended the lighted portion of the NLEX with 800 LED lights in the sections of Balagtas and Sta. Rita to San Fernando in a bid to keep the expressway safe for motorists, especially for those driving at night. The new roadway light- R2.9-billion ing also helps NLEX traffic monitoring teams and patrol officers in spotting and responding to road incidents as the lights make the road visually perceptible during nighttime.
A new 4-kilometer, 2×2 northbound carriageway was also built in Mabalacat City including two bridges in Balem and Quitanguil to enhance road safety and provide easier access to the city.
NLEX Corp. President and CEO Rodrigo E. Franco expects the opening of the new infrastructure to further “deliver hassle-free travel experience, spur tourism development, and bring in more investments in the region.”