NLEX Corp. said Monday the construction of the first 5-kilometer section of the NLEX Connector between Caloocan and España Interchanges is now 35-percent complete.
“We are working together with NLEX to expedite the right-of-way delivery within the properties of the Philippine National Railways. Bored piling works and concrete casting of columns have started in the Manila area from Solis all the way to Dimasalang,” Public Works Secretary Mark Villar said.
“The NLEX Connector is a P23-billion project under ‘the Build, Build, Build’ program and is expected to accommodate around 35,000 motorists daily. Upon completion, this section will bring NLEX commuters directly to the University Belt in Manila,” he said.
The latest Metro Manila elevated expressway section is being constructed inside the Philippine National Railways tracks between Harbor Link-Caloocan Interchange along C3 Road/5th Ave. and España Blvd. in Sampaloc, Manila. This section will have on and off ramps in España Interchange and will make NLEX directly accessible to the heart of Manila.
The next 3-km elevated section between España Interchange and the vicinity of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines in Sta. Mesa, Manila is ready for construction by June 2021.
“We are doing everything we can to accelerate the completion of this high impact expressway that will benefit the motoring public. The entire 8-km NLEX Connector is vital to ensure improved mobility within Metro Manila,” said NLEX president and general manager J. Luigi Bautista.
Meanwhile, the Toll Regulatory Board authorized NLEX to collect a nominal 2-percent to 3-percent toll increase starting May 18.
The adjustment is part of the approved periodic adjustments due 2012 and 2014, or seven years ago. TRB and NLEX agreed to implement the increase on a staggered basis to cushion the impact of the adjustments.
Taking effect past midnight or 12:01 am on May 18, the increase will be an additional P2 for Class 1 vehicles in the open system, VAT included. For the entire NLEX journey end to end, Class 1 vehicles will pay an additional P6.
The open system, where a flat rate is charged per entry, includes Quezon City, Caloocan City, Valenzuela City, Malabon City, Navotas City, Meycauayan City and Marilao, Bulacan. The closed system is between Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan and Mabalacat City, Pampanga.
For other vehicle classes, the minimal increase within the open system will translate into an additional P3 for Class 2 (buses and small commercial trucks), and P4 for Class 3 (large trucks/trailers).
Motorists traveling end-to-end between Metro Manila and Mabalacat City, Pampanga will be charged an additional P6, P14 and P16 respectively, depending on their vehicle class.
