Portions of CL Link Expressway completed

MANILA, Philippines — Portions of the 30-kilometer Central Luzon Link Expressway (CLLEX) that links Tarlac City and Cabanatuan City have recently been completed, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) said.

The project, implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), is one of the key infrastructure projects JICA supports under the Build Build Build program.

Recently completed were segments in the Tarlac Section and Rio Chico Bridge. These sections, however, are not yet operational as of now, said JICA.

“The CLLEX project provides an opportunity to help farmers and industries bounce back from the disruptions brought by COVID-19. It will help ease movement of goods and traffic in congested portions in the north,” said JICA Philippines senior representative Kiyo Kawabuchi.

“Further, we aim to contribute to expanding the Philippine expressway network, improve the Filipino commuting experience, and promote industry and economic development in the regions to attract investments and create jobs following the pandemic.”

Every day, around 11,200 motorists and commuters travel between Tarlac City and Cabanatuan City.

CLLEX will help decongest the Pan-Philippine Highway by 48 percent and reduce travel time between Tarlac City and Cabanatuan City to 20 minutes when completed.

Travel time from Metro Manila to Cabanatuan City will also be reduced from three hours and six minutes via the Pan-Philippine Highway or two hours and 14 minutes via SCTEX – Tarlac Sta. Rosa Road to just one hour and 53 minutes.

Aside from CLLEX, JICA is also supporting other key infrastructure under  Build Build Build such as Road Upgrading and Preservation Project, Metro Manila Interchange Construction Project Phase VI, Metro Manila Priority Bridges Seismic Improvement Project, Davao City Bypass Construction Project, and Road Network Development Project in Conflict-Affected Areas in Mindanao.