First section of NLEX Connector nearing completion, expected to open in the first quarter of 2023

NLEX Corporation Vice President Kit Ventura, recently announced that the first section of the NLEX Connector project is at 94% completion and will be operational in the first quarter of 2023. Spanning Caloocan to España, Ventura said that this new connector road would benefit travelers and business owners from the southern portion of Luzon heading to the northern part and vice versa.

The new road is expected to open in the first quarter of 2023. Originally, 2022 was the supposed completion date. However, due to delays, the deadline was moved further. The remaining 3 km segment is 29% complete and will link España to Sta. Mesa. The second section of the NLEX Connector will cover the redevelopment of Magsaysay Boulevard which will feature entry and exit ramps in Magsaysay and Sta. Mesa. It will also improve the following roads such as Osmena Highway, Nagtahan, Rizal Ave. extension, Gregorio Araneta Ave., and Andres Bonifacio Ave. It will also open up areas like Manila City Hall, Intramuros, Quiapo Church, University Belt, Rizal park, and San Juan for easier access.

Up north, NLEX Corp. is set to begin construction of the Candaba Third Viaduct. This project will add inner and outer shoulders to the 5-km bridge in each direction. The expansion will enable faster travel times on the bridge as it will also increase the maximum speed allowable at the viaduct from 60 km/h to 80 km/h. Another project in the works for NLEX is the construction of new expressway lanes in Pampanga from San Fernando to the SCTEX spur in Mabalacat.

NLEX Corporation will also be making a concerted effort to cut back on carbon emissions and will start using electric vehicles in its operations. Their fleet includes the Nissan Kicks e-Power and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, which will be utilized by NLEX and SCTEX road crews to reduce their overall carbon footprint and make good on their promise to promote sustainable development. With that said, NLEX will continue to introduce solar panels to power select toll plazas and further its sustainability initiatives.

NLEX Corp. will have its hands full this 2023, with major infrastructure projects set to finish within the year and more to start construction, expect a lot of changes in our road networks.