NLEX opens 2 new Pampanga interchanges

MANILA, Philippines — NLEX Corp. opened yesterday two new interchanges in the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), facilitating more efficient mobility for motorists.

The new access ramps to SCTEX in Barangay Mabiga, which formed part of the Mabiga Interchange were officially opened yesterday.

The completed road projects involved the elimination of the U-Turn slot near Mabiga into a full diamond interchange by building new access ramps with entry and exit toll plazas.

“This major expressway redesign is seen to improve road safety on this strategic location where the two expressway systems merge with the local traffic network,” NLEX Corp. said.

The tollways company also opened a right-turning exit ramp of the North Luzon Expressway in Barangay Santa Ines, paving the way for more convenient travel for motorists heading to Magalang and Concepcion towns.

“These enhancements are intended to advance safety and productivity for both motorists and commuters by improving the connectivity of our expressways to and from the MacArthur Highway and other local roads in Pampanga,” said Metro Pacific Tollways and NLEX Corp. president and chief executive officer Rodrigo Franco.

Franco said the projects would bring greater developments in Mabalacat, providing better access and facilitating efficient transport of goods and services in the area.

The state-owned Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), the original concessionaire of the SCTEX, welcomed the opening of the new road projects.

“We are proud to support NLEX Corp. in providing safe, reliable, and people-oriented projects such as the SCTEX Mabiga Interchange. The interchange will enable a smooth and faster flow of traffic for motorists going to Subic or Tarlac,” BCDA president and chief executive officer Vince Dizon said.

Dizon said the construction of two toll plazas, ramps and full diamond interchange is an assurance that the private sector is committed to building world-class infrastructure projects that would bring a more convenient travel experience to many Filipinos.

“This also proves that the turnover of SCTEX concession to the private sector in 2015 was a sound decision as the NLEX Corp. continues to further improve the expressway facilities and services,” he said.

For his part, Mabalacat City Mayor Crisostomo Garbo lauded the tollways company in its continued effort to improve the accessibility from MacArthur Highway for the comfort and convenience of the local motorists.

“In this fast-paced era, connectivity does not only come in digitals but more so in our transport system and the North Luzon Expressway swiftly responds to the demand for better expressway services,” Garbo said.

In 2016, the NLEX Corp. added eight kilometers of new expressway in Mabalacat City, including new bridges at Brgy. Balem and Brgy. Quitanguil. This project segregated northbound and southbound motorists along separate carriageways and have since enhanced traffic safety.