MNTC allots P1.14 B for new toll plazas

MANILA, Philippines – Manila North Tollways Corp. (MNTC) is spending P1.14 billion to expand toll plazas of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX).

In a statement issued yesterday, the Metro Pacific Investments Corp. unit said P232 million of the budget would go to the expansion of the NLEX Bocaue toll barrier where MNTC is constructing eight more lanes at the southbound portion to have a total of 33.

The NLEX Bocaue toll plaza, which is set to open this month, is expected to accommodate over 50,000 southbound motorists who pass through the toll plaza daily.

Apart from the Bocaue toll plaza, MNTC has also allocated P176 million for the expansion of the Balintawak toll barrier to have a total of 23 lanes from the existing 16 lanes.

“We are doing these projects to minimize queuing at the toll plazas especially during peak hours, aside from assuring our motorists to continue experiencing speedy toll transactions at the NLEX-SCTEX,” MNTC president Rodrigo Franco said.

MNTC is likewise working on the construction of three new lanes in a fishbone scheme at the NLEX Mindanao Avenue with a budget of P32 million.

Since it opened in 2010, the Mindanao toll plaza has been used as an alternative entry to NLEX from Quezon City.

The Mabiga Interchange, on the other hand, will have two new toll plazas with two toll lanes each, amounting to P75 million.

Two additional lanes will also be put up for the Subic-Tipo toll barrier with construction work estimated to cost P70 million.

For the enhancement of the San Fernando Interchange, MNTC has allotted P287 million.  This forms part of the second phase of the road widening of NLEX.

The work will involve expanding the existing 2x2 lanes to 2x4 lanes including the interchange bridge.