NLEX Connector España section now 80% complete, to open within a few months’ time

The North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) Connector project is in full swing, with the crucial España section now reportedly reaching 80 percent completion. This specific portion of the NLEX Connector spans the first five-kilometer stretch between Caloocan Interchange on C3 Road up to the future España Interchange in Manila.

The connector project is seen to reduce the travel time of cargo and delivery trucks traversing northern and southern Luzon by at least 60 percent, augmenting the capability of logistics and supply chain sectors in and around Metro Manila.

According to NLEX Corporation, the new España segment uses steel box girders for curved and highly elevated portions. It will reportedly have on and off ramps and toll plazas situated along C3 Road and España Boulevard. It will also cross over to the Blumentritt station of LRT-1 and Dimasalang Bridge.

The NLEX Connector is a public-private partnership (PPP) between the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Metro Pacific-led NLEX Corporation. The new road will be part of the Luzon Spine Expressway Network.

As of this writing, the DPWH has turned over 91 percent of the right-of-way for the España section and 83 percent for the Sta. Mesa section. Upon completion, the NLEX Connector could serve up to 35,000 motorists per day as an eight-lane, all-vehicle class elevated expressway spanning eight kilometers in total.

In a few months’ time, motorists will have another option when traveling to and from Manila and NLEX. The full vision will see travel time from northern to southern Luzon significantly reduced, possibly alleviating traffic around Metro Manila in the process.