NLEX to start 3 major projects in 2nd half

NLEX Corp., a subsidiary of Metro Pacific Tollways Corp., is set to complete and commence construction of three significant projects within the second half as part of the company’s commitment to lay the groundwork for more infrastructure developments and enhancements.

Construction of the eightkilometer NLEX Connector continues to advance, with the progress of the first five- kilometer España Section between Caloocan and España interchanges now standing at 70 percent.

The NLEX Connector España Section is expected to be completed within the year.

The entire elevated road extends the expressway southward from NLEX Harbor Link Caloocan Interchange on C3 Road, España Blvd., R. Magsaysay Blvd., all the way to Sta. Mesa, Manila.

It aims to provide the supply chain and logistics sector with a more efficient and truck ban-free route, bypassing busy roads such as EDSA and C5.

Once opened, around 35,000 motorists are expected to be served by the new expressway which runs mostly above the alignment of the Philippine National Railways.

NLEX is also looking to start construction within the year of the first two kilometers of the NLEX C5 Link section between the Mindanao Avenue toll plaza and Quirino Highway in Novaliches, Quezon City.

The NLEX C5 Link is an 11.5-kilometer expressway traversing Mindanao Avenue, Quirino Highway, Regalado Avenue, Congressional Avenue and C.P. Garcia Avenue in Quezon City. It is seen to cut travel time between Mindanao Avenue and Commonwealth Avenue to 10 minutes from the usual 45 minutes once finished.

Also included in the company’s pipeline of projects for the year is the construction of a third bridge at the Candaba viaduct, which is situated between Pulilan in Bulacan, and Apalit in Pampanga.

The Candaba viaduct is a strategic expressway link that has been serving the Metro Manila, and Central and North Luzon road corridor for several years.

Expected to be completed in 24 months, the third bridge will expand the five-kilometer bridge from existing three lanes without shoulder to three lanes with inner and outer shoulder per direction.

Aside from making travels safer and more convenient once completed, it is seen to speed up journeys as it will increase the maximum speed at the viaduct to 80 kph from 60 kph.

“We continue to actively contribute to our country’s economic recovery by ramping up our infrastructure improvements that aim to enhance the mobility and safety of motorists,” NLEX president Luigi Bautista said.