CONSTRUCTION along the first five-kilometer section of the NLEX Connector, between Caloocan and España Interchanges, is in full swing and has now reached Abad Santos Street and Blumentritt in Manila.
In his latest progress inspection along with NLEX officials, Public Works Secretary Mark Villar said the project is now 35 percent complete.
“We are working together with NLEX to expedite the right-of-way delivery within the properties of the Philippine National Railways (PNR). Bored piling works and concrete casting of columns have started in the Manila area from Solis all the way to Dimasalang,” Villar said.
“The NLEX Connector is a P23-billion project under the Build! Build! Build! program and is expected to accommodate around 35,000 motorists daily. Upon completion, this section will bring NLEX commuters directly to the University Belt in Manila,” he added.
This latest Metro Manila elevated expressway section is being constructed inside the Philippine National Railways (PNR) tracks between Harbor Link-Caloocan Interchange along C3 Road/5th Ave. and España Blvd. in Sampaloc, Manila. This section will have on and off ramps in España Interchange and will make NLEX directly accessible to the heart of Manila.
The next three-kilometer elevated section between España Interchange and the vicinity of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines in Sta. Mesa, Manila is ready for construction by June 2021.
“We are doing everything we can to accelerate the completion of this high impact expressway that will benefit the motoring public. The entire eight-kilometer NLEX Connector is vital to ensure improved mobility within Metro Manila,” NLEX Corporation President and General Manager Luigi Bautista said.
The NLEX Connector uses the new Super T girders that will help fast-track the construction process.
Once opened, this P23-billion road will provide better access to Manila Ports and NAIA and Clark airports. It is expected to reduce travel time from NLEX to South Luzon Expressway from two hours to just 20 minutes and is seen to support business activities in fast-growing regions such as Central Luzon and Calabarzon.
“As a reliable partner of the government, we are committed to completing our projects as scheduled to help address traffic congestion and provide the needed infrastructure boost that will support the country’s economic growth,” Bautista said.
The NLEX Connector is a public-private partnership project under the Department of Public Works and Highways and private sector partner Metro Pacific Tollways-led NLEX Corporation.
By CHARLENE A. CAYABYAB
May 18, 2021
