Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista (in blue shirt) led the final inspection of the NLEX Connector on Wednesday, March 1, 2023. (Photo from the Facebook page of the Department of Transportation)
MANILA, Philippines – The North-Luzon Expressway (NLEX) Connector, which is set to open on March 27, will spur economic development and ease traffic congestion in Metro Manila, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said on Wednesday in a statement by the Department of Transportation (DOTr)
“This is important to commuters. It will result in the easing of traffic and because of that, they will have more time for their families,” Bautista said, partly in Filipino, during his final inspection of the NLEX Connector España segment at the NLEX Caloocan Interchange.
The DOTr chief also pointed out that the delivery of goods and services would be fast-tracked through decent road systems.
The 8-kilometer NLEX Connector España section is around 98 percent finished, according to the (DOTr.
It is a joint project of the DOTr, the Department of Public Works and Highways, the Toll Regulatory Board, NLEX Corp., and Metro Pacific Tollways Corp.
“Designed to cater to all vehicle classes, including trucks, the four-lane NLEX Connector will stimulate economic development by significantly improving the mobility of motorists and boost overall productivity,” the DOTr added.
At least 35,000 vehicles are expected to benefit from the expressway per day by decongesting roads and improving business operations, especially in the logistics sector.
NLEX Corp., for its part, said the expressway was aimed at improving the accessibility of several areas in Manila, especially the University Belt.
The NLEX Connector stretches from Caloocan Interchange on C3 Road, Dimasalang, España Boulevard, Ramon Magsaysay Boulevard, up to the area of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines in Santa Mesa, Manila. It has on and off ramps at C3, España Boulevard, and Ramon Magsaysay Boulevard.