Central Luzon’s local government units, business, tourism and transport sectors have lauded the opening of 64 kilometers of new toll highway lanes across the region, which they said will further drive regional development.
The NLEX Corp., formerly the Manila North Tollways Corp., recently opened the new highways after pouring in P2.9 billion in new investments, particularly in roadway sections between Sta. Rita, Guiguinto, Bulacan and San Fernando City.
The NLEX project also includes the construction of new expressway lanes on both sides of the 5-km long Candaba Viaduct, the first time it was expanded since its construction in the ‘70s.
The tollway firm also built a new two-by-two, 4-kilometer expressway in the Mabalacat City portion of the NLEX, including two new bridges.
This new project, which was completed in October last year, segregates northbound and southbound motorists along separate carriageways to further promote road safety.
“As an advocate for countryside development and a main endorser of the new projects at the NLEX, the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. expects the new expressway lanes to enhance travel convenience and promote growth of local businesses,” PamCham president Jess Nicdao said.
An expanded NLEX is seen to spur the rapid growth in the region, according to Central Luzon Regional Development Council Chairman and Angeles City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan.
Pamintuan believes the opening of the new expressway lanes between Bulacan and Pampanga is a big boost to Central Luzon’s economy.
“The new 64 lane kilometers will boost the tourism industry in the North and Central Luzon regions, since these will provide easy and faster access to tourist destinations,” said Tourism Region 3 Director Ronaldo Tiotuico.
“NLEX has already boosted tourism in the region, and the 64 lane kilometers will further transform the regions into favorite tourist destinations,” he said.
MNTC partially opened the new 4-kilometer northbound carriageway in Mabalacat City, Pampanga in December last year, in time for the busy holiday season. This P235-million 4-kilometer project, which included the new bridges at Bgy. Balem and Bgy. Quitanguil, have since enhanced traffic safety and made the city more accessible.
Mabalacat City Mayor Marino “Boking” Morales said during the inauguration that “the new road makes Mabalacat more accessible to potential investors and could increase the city’s income.”
Included in the new NLEX projects is the installation of 800 LED lights from the Balagtas section all the way to San Fernando City. NLEX Corp. will light up an additional 33 kilometers along the tollway in keeping with its commitment to promoting motorist safety.