DPWH fast-tracks right-of-way for NLEX Connector

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is accelerating the right-of-way delivery within the property of the Philippine National Railways (PNR) for the NLEX (North Luzon expressway) Connector project.

Construction along the first five-kilometer section of the NLEX Connector, between Caloocan and España interchanges, is in full swing and has now reached Abad Santos and Blumentritt streets in Manila.

Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar said the project is now 35 percent complete.

“Bored piling works and concrete casting of columns have started in the Manila area, from Solis to Dimasalang. Upon completion, this section will bring NLEX commuters directly to the University Belt in Manila,” Villar said.

The elevated expressway section is being constructed along the PNR tracks, between the Harbor Link-Caloocan Interchange along C3 Road and España Boulevard in Sampaloc, Manila.

Targeted for completion by the end of the year, the section will have on and off ramps along España and will make NLEX accessible from the University Belt area.

The next three-kilometer elevated section between España Interchange and the vicinity of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines in Sta. Mesa 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 eight-kilometer NLEX Connector is vital to ensure improved mobility within Metro Manila,” NLEX Corp. president and general manager Luigi Bautista said.

The P23-billion project will provide better access to Manila ports as well as to NAIA and Clark airports once opened.

It is expected to reduce travel time from NLEX to South Luzon Expressway from two hours to 20 minutes, and is seen to boost business activities in Central Luzon and Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon).