THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and NLEX Corp. on Tuesday opened the P62.7-million North Luzon Expressway (NLEx) Balagtas northbound entry in Bulacan, which aims to ease traffic congestion.
“It is a testament of the effective cooperation and a proven model between the government and the private sector can jointly implement projects that will not only help decongest traffic, but also aim in accelerating trade and commerce in this part of the country,” J. Luigi L. Bautista, president and general manager of NLEX, said after the ceremonial opening of the NLEx Balagtas northbound entry.
The new road aims to improve mobility and productivity of those coming from Balagtas, as well as those going through the Plaridel Bypass from Guiguinto, Plaridel, Bustos, and Baliwag.
The 600-meter road development is a joint project between the DPWH and NLEX. It will provide easier access to those driving from Balagtas Interchange heading to NLEx northbound, passing through local roads as well as Sta. Rita Interchange in Guiguinto, Bulacan.
The project was developed in two phases, the first worth P35.9 million was completed by DPWH in May 2019, while the second worth P26.8 million was completed by NLEX in July 2019.
“This new gateway to the north signifies Metro Pacific’s commitment to enhance countryside development and make travel easier and more comfortable for everyone,” Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC) President and Chief Executive Officer Rodrigo E. Franco said in a statement.
The Toll Regulatory Board has yet to give the go signal for the tollroad’s official opening, but officials assured it will be opened anytime now.
Earlier, NLEX said it is investing P7.7 billion for road enhancements to help improve traffic in Metro Manila and nearby cities. It has also launched several road projects this year, which include NLEX Harbor Link Segment 10 from C3; Caloocan City to R10 in Navotas City, scheduled to open by December; capacity expansion at the Subic Freeport Expressway; and road extension at the Bulacan portion of NLEx.
NLEX Corp. is under MPTC, a unit of Metro Pacific Investments Corp., which is one of the three Philippine units of First Pacific Co. Ltd. The two others are PLDT, Inc. and Philex Mining Corp. Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., maintains interest in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group. — Vincent Mariel P. Galang
