NLEX Corp. submitted a proposal to widen the North Luzon Expressway to ease traffic congestion, according to the Toll Regulatory Board.
“They [NLEX] submitted what we call NLEX Widening Expansion Phase 3. It’s still under evaluation,” TRB executive director Alvin Carullo said. He said the proposed project would decongest traffic along the expressway.
NLEX earlier signed a memorandum of agreement with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the TRB to build the Sto. Tomas Interchange between San Simon and San Fernando City in Pampanga to provide direct access to Santo Tomas and nearby towns.
The interchange will also ease congestion leading to San Fernando, by providing an additional entry point to Pampanga province.
As part of the company’s traffic decongestion program, the new F. Raymundo exit in Barangay Pandayan, Meycauayan northbound and the additional lane at the Meycauayan northbound exit ramp were recently opened to ease the recurring heavy traffic in the area especially during peak hours and holidays.
The new exit provides an additional and alternative route going to the eastern portion of Meycauayan City and Marilao, while the additional lane in Meycauayan northbound exit ramp serves as the new dedicated lane for Malhacan-bound vehicles. The leftmost and middle lanes are assigned to those going to Iba/Camalig, providing additional space for the high volume of trucks going to the industrial areas.
The tollway company said it would also continue its heavy maintenance program, a comprehensive pavement maintenance and repair works done annually to preserve the quality of road assets and ensure its safe condition.
NLEX Corp. said it would also invest in various system enhancement programs and major upgrades in traffic management systems.
The NLEX traffic control center, which houses a central traffic management system, will undergo renovation this year. The center integrates technologies for traffic monitoring and communication to ensure prompt action for the safety and convenience of motorists.
It is run 24/7 by trained personnel who monitor traffic flow and deploy patrol crews and emergency response teams during incidents.
Other projects that NLEX is pursuing this year are the Candaba 3rd Viaduct, which is scheduled to be finished by November 2024 and the NLEX C5-Link. The first two kilometers of the NLEX C5-Link between the Mindanao Ave. toll plaza to Quirino Highway in Novaliches is set to begin construction by the second quarter of 2024.
The third major project is the expansion of NLEX San Fernando to SCTEX Spur in Mabalacat, Pampanga which is targeted to start in the second quarter of 2024.
Once finished, expressway road capacity of the stretch from San Fernando to SCTEX Spur in Pampanga will be expanded from the existing 2×2 lanes to 3×3 lanes in each direction, giving motorists a faster, more seamless travel.
The project also includes the installation of roadway lighting from NLEX San Fernando to Sta. Ines, Mabalacat in Pampanga for added safety and the expansion of the Angeles Interchange to accommodate the increase in volume of vehicles.