NLEX starts work on P2.2 billion C5 Northlink

MANILA, Philippines — Motorists can access Novaliches, Quezon City straight from the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) by the first quarter of 2026 through a P2.2-billion project of the Metro Pacific Group.

Yesterday, NLEX Corp. started building the first segment of the NLEX-C5 Northlink.

The project also kicks off NLEX Corp.’s efforts to put up a direct link between the tollway and C5 Road.

Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. president and chief executive officer Jose Maria Lim said the first leg of the NLEX-C5 Northlink would run from the Mindanao toll plaza to Quirino Highway.

The project will decongest some of the busiest roads in Quezon City, including Commonwealth Avenue, Mindanao Avenue and Quirino Highway.

To date, the project’s right of way (ROW) is nearly done in Valenzuela City. Resettlement is underway for the affected families in Quezon City.

Based on the website of the Department of Public Works and Highways, the project was supposed to cost P11.5 billion for civil works.

However, NLEX officer-in charge Maria Theresa Wells said the amount has ballooned to P24 billion, considering the delays in ROW acquisition and civil works.

Once the NLEX-C5 Northlink is completed, it will benefit more than 45,000 motorists daily, as travel from Mindanao Avenue to Commonwealth Avenue will be cut to just 10 minutes. — Ramon Efren Lazaro