Thousands of motorists coming from Bulacan and the other northern part of Luzon may soon experience reduced travel time from the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) to South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) announced on Monday.
Officials of the DPWH headed by Secretary Mark Villar and NLEX Corporation Chief Operating Officer (COO) Raul Ignacio inspected the progress of the ongoing construction of the 8-km NLEX Connector elevated expressways in CAMANAVA and the 2.6-km NLEX Harbor Link (R10 Section).
Strategically interconnected at the new Caloocan Interchange along C3/5th Avenue, the twin expressways are seen as urgent infrastructure solutions expected to provide relief to the thousands of commuters and motorists challenged by Metro Manila’s daily traffic.
Villar witnessed the full blast foundation works of the first 5km section of the NLEX Connector expressway at the new Caloocan Interchange.
The Secretary said that the daily 30,000 motorists mostly heavy trucks will divert their routes in these connector which will decongest heavy traffics along major roads in Metro Manila.
This section will extend to the future Sampaloc Interchange near España Boulevard, Manila. “Working on the bored pile foundation is a delicate part of the construction process.
A systematic laying of the foundation is being carefully and precisely engineered to prevent mounting traffic and ensure safety in the construction area,” NLEX Corp. President and CEO Luigi Bautista pointed out.
A total of 223 piers will be built to support the all-weather, all-vehicle NLEX Connector which will eventually interconnect with the Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 in Sta. Mesa, Manila.
“We are glad that these PPP projects which are major components of the Duterte administration’s “Build! Build! Build!” infrastructure program, are making good progress,” said Secretary Villar, highlighting that these elevated and integrated expressways projects will be “game changers”.
Upon completion of the NLEX Connector, travel time from NLEX to SLEX will be reduced from the usual two hours to approximately 20 minutes.
The elevated, 4-lane divided carriageway NLEX Connector will feature two interchanges and four toll plazas running above the Philippine National Railway lines.
The PNR right-of-way is being shared by the NLEX Connector and the North South Commuter Railway (NSCR), which is also under construction.
Secretary Villar also affirmed the government’s commitment to turn over the remaining ROW of the projects to fast-track the completion of this vital infrastructure.
DPWH and NLEX officials also conducted a progress inspection of the Harbor Link (R10) Section wherein 65 percent complete, this elevated 2.6-kilometer section stretches west from the new Caloocan Interchange to Radial Road 10 in Navotas City.
An important feature of the project is a new off-ramp that will bring motorists directly from the NLEX to Dagat-Dagatan in Malabon City.
The Harbor Link is intended to facilitate direct access between the port area and North and Central Luzon via the NLEX. Motorists, especially those in the commercial trucking sector, will enjoy a hassle-free elevated expressway alternative to the choke points of EDSA Balintawak, A. Bonifacio and C3/5th Avenue.
It is also envisioned for truckers who will be spared from the truck ban and subsequently experience quicker turn around.
The NLEX Connector and Harbor Link projects are two high impact PPP projects that areseen to boost the productive capacity of the economy, create jobs, increase incomes, and help ease traffic congestion in Metro Manila.