NLEX will connect to España Boulevard in early 2022

The España section of the NLEX Connector road project is now nearly halfway done. That's according to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Mark Villar.

In this regard, the North Luzon Expressway Corporation (NLEX Corp.) has stated that the España section of the new elevated connector expressway could open by the first quarter of 2022. Five kilometers of the new road are now complete, spanning from Caloocan Interchange to España Boulevard in Manila.

The NLEX Connector is an 8-kilometer tollway that will sit on top of the Philippine National Railways (PNR) system. Following the Skyway Stage 3, the new expressway will be the second road to link NLEX and the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX).

Its final three kilometers will reportedly begin construction within this year. Upon its completion, the NLEX Connector will have four toll plazas and interchanges and serve up to 35,000 motorists daily.

The NLEX Connector road will span from C3 Road in Caloocan City, Abad Santos, Dimasalang, and Magsaysay Boulevard in Manila. The final stop will be the Skyway Stage 3 near the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) in Sta. Mesa, Manila. 

Once the new tollway breaks cover, motorists can expect an alternative route for faster travel times across Metro Manila. Traveling between the northern and southern portions outside the metro could also become more convenient.

The NLEX Connector road was originally slated to open during the fourth quarter of 2021, but right-of-way issues have hounded the project and resulted in delays. Lockdown-related matters may have also played a part in the setbacks. For now, we can only hope that the problems have been resolved and the project can be completed within the targeted date. One thing's for sure, we can't wait to try the new tollway when it opens to the public in early 2022.