Metro Pacific unit to start NLEX expansion February

MANILA, Philippines – The tollways unit of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC) will start a P2.6-billion ($54.77-million) expansion of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) this month to cater to the growing number of vehicles plying the thoroughfare.

The Manila North Tollways Corporation (MNTC), builder and concessionaire of NLEX, will start Segments 2 and 3 of its road-widening project.

“Traffic volume increases every year, so we need to build additional lanes in certain portions of the expressway in order to maintain the high quality service we provide motorists,” MNTC president and CEO Rodrigo Franco said in a statement. The MNTC is a subsidiary of Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation, the toll road arm of the MPIC.

Based on MNTC data, vehicle entries in NLEX rose to more than 218,000 last year from almost 200,000 in 2014.

The road-widening project will expand the existing two-lane portion of NLEX between Sta Rita and San Fernando to 3 lanes on both the northbound and southbound sides.

Meanwhile, the current one-lane stretch between Dau and Sta Ines will be expanded to two lanes on both sides. 

“These are where queues of vehicles usually form especially during holidays when many motorists from Metro Manila leave the metropolis for destinations in Central and Northern Luzon,” Franco said.

Franco added that aside from making travel on the NLEX more comfortable for motorists, the project will also benefit merchants who use the expressway to transport their goods. 

“Transport of products to and from the provinces will be faster and more efficient once NLEX is expanded,” the MNTC chief said.

Despite the road expansion upgrades, the MNTC said traffic on the expressway will remain smooth as no lane closures will be implemented. – Rappler.com

$1=P47.47