NLEX commits to finish big-ticket projects

NLEX Corp., a unit of Metro Pacific Tollways Corp., is committed to complete its big-ticket projects despite the challenges from the coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19 pandemic.

The tollways company said construction activities on major projects such as the NLEX Harbor Link C3-R10 Section, NLEX Connector, Subic Freeport Expressway (SFEX) Capacity Expansion, and the heavy maintenance program for the Candaba Viaduct have resumed after receiving approval from government regulators.

NLEX said its contractors are taking all the necessary measures based on government-approved guidelines to promote the health and safety of workers while ensuring the continuity of projects at the same time.

“We have complied with the safety protocols laid out by the government for the implementation of infrastructure projects amid modified enhanced community quarantine,” NLEX president and general manager Luigi Bautista said.

“Despite the challenging times, our team remains committed to accomplish our bigticket projects and continue the 24/7 service to our customers and other stakeholders,” he said.

With the acceleration of its projects, Bautista said NLEX can help the government in its aim to revitalize the economy despite the ongoing health crisis.

Construction of the remaining portion of the 2.6-km NLEX Harbor Link C3-R10 Section is now underway between the new Caloocan Interchange, C3 Road, Caloocan City to Radial Road 10, Navotas City.

The project’s progress currently stands at 95 percent.

Once completed, it is seen as a crucial infrastructure that will help alleviate traffic congestion as it would cut travel time from NLEX to CAMANAVA from one hour to 10 minutes.

Last February, NLEX opened the Malabon exit of the Harbor Link project and has since eased travel for motorists and commuters in the area.

Works on the NLEX Connector, an eight-km all elevated expressway, also resumed.

The project will traverse the new Caloocan Interchange, pass through España, and eventually link up with the Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 in Sta. Mesa, Manila.

NLEX said also ongoing is the capacity expansion of the 8.2-km SFEX aimed at improving traffic safety and reducing travel time to and from the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

The civil works for SFEX Capacity Expansion Project, which is now 38 percent complete, include construction of two additional lanes, two new bridges, and a new tunnel.

NLEX said heavy maintenance of the five-km Candaba Viaduct is likewise in progress to restore the driving comfort of motorists.

Emergency repairs are already ongoing underneath the bridge while the replacement of link slabs will be scheduled.

Meanwhile, NLEX said construction of additional lanes at Clark South Toll Plaza is also set to resume.

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