Construction of the first five-kilometer section of the P23-billion NLEX Connector road project is in full swing and has now reached Manila, according to NLEX Corp.
DPWH Secretary Mark Villar who led the progress inspection said the project is 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.
The NLEX Connector can accommodate around 35,000 motorists daily. Upon completion, this section will bring NLEX commuters directly to the University Belt in Manila,” Villar said.
This latest Metro Manila elevated expressway section is being constructed inside the PNR tracks between Harbor Link-Caloocan Interchange along C3 road/5th avenue and España boulevard in Sampaloc. 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-km 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.
“We are doing everything we can to accelerate the completion of this high impact expressway that will benefit the motoring public. The entire 8-km NLEX Connector is vital to ensure improved mobility within Metro Manila,” said J. Luigi Bautista, NLEX president and general manager.
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.
