The early completion of the NLEX-SLEX Connector is gathering growing support, based on reactions from various sectors of the transport community, particularly noting the prospects of a seamless journey from north to south and south to north, and the tollway’s prospective contribution to boost the Philippine economy.
In reaction to published reports, lawyer Rafael J. dela Torre, urban development advocate and former Customs board examiner, urged tollway builders and concessionaires to finish this roadway project, saying, “This tollway, when completed, will surely make our people’s travel safe and comfortable – and would increase trade and commerce between and among provinces north and south of Manila.”
The NLEX-SLEX Connector is approximately an eight-kilometer, four-lane, all elevated tollway which extends the alignment of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) from Caloocan City to Santa Mesa in Manila – and is supposed to link up with Skyway Stage 3, and ultimately to the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX).
The NLEX Connector, whose structures before PUP Santa Mesa are almost complete, is being rushed by NLEX builder and operator Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), while the interconnection structure that would finally link the NLEX to Skyway Stage 3 is set to be built by SLEX operator SMC Infrastructure.
Dela Torre expressed the wish that the SMC Infrastructure firm “would also do its part in accelerating the completion of the Connector project, as he noted that the firm has pledged to build the interconnection structure – that would finally connect the two elevated expressways of NLEX and Skyway Stage 3.” The latter elevated tollway links up to SLEX.
He emphasized that “this interconnection between NLEX and SMC is not new,” adding he has experienced using both the NLEX and TPLEX in travelling from Metro Manila to La Union. “What they promise as a safe and comfortable journey, is true,” he pointed out.
The Connector traverses the alignment from C3 Road on 5th Avenue to Espana Boulevard (5.15 kilometers) for Section 1, and from Espana to PUP Sta. Mesa (2.75 kilometers) for Section 2. From this point, the Connector should link up with Stage 3 that leads the way to SLEX.
The segment from Caloocan to Espana is already 90% complete, while the Espana to Sta. Mesa is 22% complete. From NLEX’s timetable, the Connector should be completed and open for operations in February 2023. “That should be MPTC’s and SMC’s valentine gift to our motorists in February,” Dela Torre said.
The development advocate has noted the vital role of the Connector to stimulate development in Manila, Caloocan, Malabon, and Navotas. “It will also decongest traffic in Metro Manila, because it will give cargo-carrying trucks a round-the-clock alternative route, not to mention being free from truck bans,” he pointed out.
Studies show that the Connector will provide better access to the Manila Ports in North Harbor and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, as well as Clark Airport.
For our people, the Advocate said, travel time from SLEX-Alabang to NLEX-Balintawak will be reduced from 1.5-2 hours to just 15-20 minutes. It will reduce travel time from Clark to Calamba from two hours to 1 hour and 40 minutes
“Our people will be thankful to our two tollway builders and operators when this Connector is finally operational, midway into the first quarter of the New Year,” Dela Torre said.