THE construction of the P23.2-billion North Luzon Expressway-South Luzon Expressway connector road is expected to start in mid-2017 after the Metro Pacific Tollways Development Corp. and its subsidiary Manila North Tollways Corp. completed the submission of post-award requirements to the Department of Public Works and Highways.
Once completed, the four-lane, 8-kilometer elevated toll expressway will help ease traffic congestion in Metro Manila as well as reduce the travel time between NLEX and SLEX to just 15 to 20 minutes from 1.5 to two hours at present, according to the Public Works Secretary Mark Villar.
The DPWH awarded the project to MPTDC, the original proponent of the project, as no comparative proposals were submitted to the DPWH during a Swiss challenge held in July.
“The project involves the design, financing, construction, as well as operation and maintenance of a four-lane, eight-km elevated toll expressway over the right of way of the Philippine National Railways starting at the junction of the NLEX Segment 10 at C-3 Road/5th Avenue in Caloocan City, and connecting to the SLEX through the Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 Project in the City of Manila,” DPWH-Public Private Partnership Service Director Ariel Angeles told the Manila Standard.
“The hard target schedule for the commencement of construction of the sectional portion of the mega project is on May next year and we would fast-track the completion within two years,” Angeles said.
He said the DPWH issued the notice of award for the connector road project to MPIC and Metro Pacific Tollways Development Corp.
Villar said the connector road is part of the Duterte administration’s effort to fast-track much-needed infrastructure projects.
“MNTC’s early submission is consistent with the DPWH’s efficient delivery of infrastructure. The DPWH will be firm in ensuring efficiency, transparency and quality as we continue to roll out more infrastructure and PPP projects under the Duterte administration,” the DPWH chief said.
MPTDC president Rodrigo E. Franco said, “MPTDC and MNTC have submitted with all the requirements stated in the notice of award, 10 days in advance, to fast-track the construction of this vital infrastructure.”
The NLEX-SLEX Connector Road will traverse 5th Avenue/C3 Road in Caloocan City passing through Blumentrit and España, connecting with the Skyway Stage 3 at PUP Sta. Mesa. The elevated roadway will utilize portions of the existing right of way of the PNR.