MANILA, Philippines - Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Mark Villar meant business when he announced that the first section of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Expressway Project Phase 2 will be opened to the public on the first minute of Sept. 22.
Driving a pick-up truck, Villar led the first batch of motorists to pass through the new elevated expressway, which connects Macapagal Boulevard in Pasay City to NAIA Terminals 1 and 2 in Parañaque City, at exactly 12:01 a.m. yesterday.
“We made a commitment to open this segment today. We wanted to ensure it is fully functional the first minute of Sept. 22,” Villar said.
Photo shows DPWH Secretary Mark Villar paying the toll at the expressway at past midnight yesterday. MIGUEL DE GUZMAN
“With all systems in place, the operational segment of NAIA Expressway will effectively improve traffic flow in the airport vicinity and will cut travel time by at least 60 percent,” he added.
Villar promised to finish the second section of the P20.45-billion expressway, which would connect NAIA Terminals 1, 2, and 3 to the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) before the start of the Christmas season.
They expect 80,000 motorists to benefit from the expressway.
“DPWH would ensure 24/7 operation in the last segment of NAIA Expressway,” Villar said.
“The Duterte administration is conscious of delivering its promise. We will set deadlines and contractors would have to abide,” he added.
The NAIA Expressway project is a four-lane, 12.65-kilometer elevated expressway (including ramps) and 2.22-kilometer at-grade road traversing Sales Avenue, Andrews Avenue, Parañaque River, MIAA Road and Macapagal Boulevard.
When all phases are completed, the NAIA Expressway project is expected to provide easy access to and from NAIA Terminals 1, 2, 3 and 4 and would interface with SLEX through Sales Interchange, Manila Cavite Toll Expressway and Macapagal Boulevard.
A total of 16 off and on ramps are being constructed along strategic locations at Villamor Airbase, Resorts World, NAIA Terminal 3, MIAA Road, Imelda Avenue, Cavite Expressway, Seaside Drive and Macapagal Boulevard.