NLEX Corp. said Wednesday the first five-kilometer section of NLEX Connector between Caloocan and España interchanges is set to open on March 27 this year.
Now 98-percent complete, the NLEX Connector España Section is expected to reduce traffic congestion in Manila especially along España Boulevard, Abad Santos Ave., Rizal Ave. and Lacson Ave. as it will divert trucks and other vehicles from the capital’s major roads.
The elevated expressway will provide greater access to several areas in Manila including the University Belt, it said.
“We are on our final stretch of construction for this first segment of the NLEX Connector and we are looking forward to opening it before the end of March,” Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan said.
“The next phase of this project is the three-kilometer section from España to Sta. Mesa, which the DPWH and NLEX are accelerating so we can finish by the second quarter of this year,” he said.
Designed to cater to all vehicle classes including trucks, the four-lane NLEX Connector intends to stimulate economic growth by significantly improving the mobility of motorists thus boost overall productivity.
Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said the NLEX Connector “augurs well for the agency’s mandate of providing convenient access for road users as it will address traffic congestion.”
“We will ensure that a holistic traffic management plan will be in order so motorists can travel safely and seamlessly,” he said.
Around 35,000 vehicles daily are anticipated to benefit from the new road.
“We started constructing the NLEX Connector España Section in February 2020, and construction was continuous despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the many challenges, we are pleased that the project is almost complete. We will continue to be a strategic partner of the government and focus on our goal of completing this infrastructure that will facilitate greater connection between the north and south,” said NLEX president and general manager J. Luigi Bautista.
The whole NLEX Connector stretches eight kilometers from Caloocan Interchange on C3 Road to Dimasalang, España Blvd., R. Magsaysay Blvd. and to the vicinity of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines in Sta. Mesa, Manila.
It has on and off ramps at C3, España Blvd. and R. Magsaysay Blvd.