Metro Pacific starts NLEX Harbor Link’s R10 section

MANILA, Philippines – The tollways unit of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC) on Tuesday, August 15, broke ground for the P6-billion, 2.5-kilometer elevated expressway passing through Radial Road 10 (R10) and Circumferential Road 3 (C3) in Navotas City. This forms part of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) Harbor Link Segment 10.

This R10 section is the continuation of the P8-billion, 5.7-kilometer Segment 10, which passes through MacArthur Highway in Valenzuela City, Governor Pascual Avenue in Malabon City, and C3 Road in Caloocan City.

Manila North Tollways Corporation (MNTC) chief Rodrigo Franco said the R10 section is “expected to be completed by 1st quarter next year.” (READ: Delayed right-of-way acquisition takes a toll on NLEX Harbor Link)

This section is designed to provide direct access between the Port Area in Manila and the northern provinces of Luzon via the NLEX, Franco told reporters.

It will help decongest Metro Manila’s major thoroughfares by offering an alternative entry to the NLEX, bypassing EDSA and other busy streets.

MNTC is also the builder and concessionaire of the NLEX. It operates the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) as well.

When the project is done, Franco said motorists only need about 10 minutes going from Manila ports to the NLEX. (READ: Metro Pacific unit secures NLEX-SLEX Connector Road deal)

“Cargo trucks will also have 24/7 access from the ports to their respective destinations in the north and south since NLEX is not covered by [the] truck ban,” Franco said.

MNTC already completed the P2.1-billion Segment 8.1 or the Smart Connect Interchange covering 2.7 kilometers from Valenzuela City to Mindanao Avenue in Quezon City in 2011.

Meanwhile, the P1.7-billion Segment 9 – a 2.4-kilometer stretch from Valenzuela City to MacArthur Highway – opened in 2015.

Other than NLEX Harbor Link, the Metro Pacific unit also bagged the NLEX-SLEX Connector Road deal – a P23.2-billion deal to build, operate, and maintain a toll road connecting the NLEX and the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX).

MNTC is a unit of Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation, which in turn, is a subsidiary of infrastructure conglomerate MPIC. – Rappler.com