By MYLA IGLESIAS
NLEX Corp., a unit of Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC) unit will start the expansion and improvement projects at the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) by the second quarter of the year.
These two major infrastructure projects are the NLEX C5-Link and the much-needed expansion of NLEX San Fernando to SCTEX Spur in Mabalacat.
The first two kilometers of the NLEX C5-Link, between the Mindanao avenue toll plaza to Quirino Highway in Novaliches, are set to begin construction by the second quarter of 2024 to address daily traffic gridlock at a congested portion of Mindanao Avenue.
“Eventually, this section will be integrated into the future NLEX expansion to C5/C.P. Garcia near Katipunan avenue. We foresee an interconnected tollway network that will be accessible to the west, east, north, and south sides of Metro Manila,” said J. Luigi Bautista, president and general manager of NLEX Corp.
Another project, NLEX San Fernando to SCTEX Spur in Mabalacat, Pampanga, is targeted to start in the second quarter of the year.
When finished, the expressway road capacity of the stretch from San Fernando to SCTEX Spur in Pampanga will be expanded from the existing 2×2 lanes to 3×3 lanes in each direction giving motorists a faster, more seamless travel.
The project also includes the installation of roadway lighting from NLEX San Fernando to Sta. Ines, Mabalacat for added safety and the expansion of the Angeles Interchange to accommodate the increase in volume of vehicles in the area.
These major infrastructure projects also include the completion of the Candaba 3rd Viaduct by November.
Currently 40 percent complete, this 5-km viaduct is being built in the middle of the two existing bridges that connect the towns of Pulilan, Bulacan, and Apalit, Pampanga.
Once completed, the Candaba Viaduct will be widened to three lanes with inner and outer shoulders in each direction, therefore enhancing motorists’ safety and mobility.
“This 2024, we intend to embark on three major infrastructure projects and a series of enhancement programs on our assets, which are our roads and our systems, all for the improved travel experience of our motorists at NLEX, SCTEX, and NLEX Connector,” Bautista said in a statement.
In addition, the NLEX traffic control center which houses a central traffic management system will undergo renovation this year, the company said.
The center integrates technologies for traffic monitoring and communication to ensure prompt action for the safety and convenience of motorists.
Last year, the company completed the NLEX Connector road project, road raising of the 200-meter portion of the San Simon area under the Tulaoc Bridge, and substructure strengthening works at the SCTEX Pasig Potrero Bridge.
NLEX also upgraded its servers and new radio frequency identification antennas were installed to enhance the processing of lane transactions. Additional speed cameras were installed for more effective enforcement of traffic regulations.
