The 2.55-kilometer NLEX Connector Segment 2 project is on track to be operational by August, ahead of the government’s target completion.
“Substantial completion (of Segment 2 is) by end of July. Hopefully, we can open it end of August,” Luigi Bautista, NLEX Corp. president and general manager, told reporters recently.
According to the Department of Public Works and Highways, 93.9 percent of the right-of-way has been delivered to NLEX Corp. for Segment 2 from España to PUP Sta. Mesa in Manila, which is targeted to be completed by the fourth quarter.
The first section of the NLEX Connector from Caloocan to España has been opened to the motoring public since March 29, for free with a 5,500 daily traffic volume.
The daily traffic volume is way below the target of 12,000 daily, according to Bautista.
Vehicle traffic volume is expected to further increase once the remaining segment becomes operational by the third quarter.
Meanwhile, Bautista said the project cost remains at P23 billion for the entire 8-km expressway project.
With the opening of the first section of the elevated expressway, motorists are able to travel between Caloocan and Manila in five minutes, instead of 30 minutes or more when using local roads.
While the new road is designed to cater to all expressway vehicle classifications, the NLEX management said it is strictly enforcing the 60 kph speed limit for trucks, and 80 kph speed limit for cars/sport utility vehicles, buses as well as motorcycles with displacement 400cc and above.
Traversing highly urbanized areas such as C3 Road/5th Avenue, Blumentritt and España in Sampaloc, Manila, the first section of the NLEX Connector is expected to ease traffic along España Boulevard, Abad Santos Avenue, Rizal Avenue and Lacson Avenue and provide easier access to several areas including the University Belt.
It is also seen to benefit the trucking and logistics sector since cargo trucks will have 24/7 access to this new road and, in turn, facilitate more efficient delivery of goods.
The NLEX Connector Caloocan-España Section has two wide lanes per direction and entry and exit ramps at C3 Road and España.
NLEX Corp. is a subsidiary of Metro Pacific Tollways Corp., the toll road arm of Metro Pacific Investments Corp.
