NLEX allots over P10 B for Pampanga-Bataan road

MANILA, Philippines — NLEX Corp. is planning to spend more than P10 billion for the construction of the third phase of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) project which is seen to further ease travel from Pampanga to Bataan.

In an interview, NLEX Corp. president and CEO Rodrigo Franco told reporters the company is finalizing plans for the third stage of the NLEX project.

“There are some engineering studies. We ‘re packaging the project,”Franco said.

Phase three of the NLEX project is envisioned to be a 37- kilometer, four-lane divided expressway from Sto. Tomas, Pampanga to Dinalupihan, Bataan.

Franco said the company eyes to submit the proposal to the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) in about three months, once it finalizes the project’s plans.

Franco said it would take it two years to complete the project.

NLEX Corp. said the project is expected to boost the business growth of Pampanga City.

Another project that bodes well for the trade and commerce industry of Pampanga is the enhanced San Fernando Interchange, which expanded the capacity of the San Fernando Interchange to ease mounting traffic issues in the vicinity of SM San Fernando and Robinsons Malls.

“Two new bridges crossing the NLEX were built to function as separate carriageways and the interchange ramps were widened to four lanes in each direction,” NLEX Corp. said.

Also, the east and west roundabouts along Jose Abad Santos Avenue were removed to pave way for the installation of automated traffic signals.

An inaugural drive-thru of the improved interchange was held on Tuesday.

“We undertook these traffic enhancements in our infrastructure to keep up with the fast-paced developments and heightened economic activities in San Fernando,” Franco said.

“With these improvements, the new and expanded interchange is seen to facilitate efficient mobility of people and goods to and from San Fernando and nearby areas,” he said.