MPTC proposes P16 billion Harbor Link extension

MANILA, Philippines — Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC) is seeking to develop a P16-billion elevated expressway extension of the Harbor Link to better facilitate access to Port Area in Manila.

MPTC submitted yesterday the proposal called Harbor Link Port Access Mobility Facility to Public Works Secretary Mark Villar following a progress inspection of the Harbor Link (R10) Section.

MPTC chief communications officer Romulo Quimbo Jr. said the proposed extension spans 5.1 kilometers and would cost from P15 billion to P16 billion.

“We just submitted it. It’s going to continue the Harbor Link from C3 corner Navotas interchange all the way to Anda Circle. That’s the proposal,” Quimbo said.

“Technically, it will continue the Harbor Link all the way to the port of Manila,” he said.

Quimbo said there is a provision in its concession that authorizes it to submit a proposal for the extension. 

“So it is elevated all the way so when you enter Harbor Link in Karuhatan, it will go directly up to the pier. It has to be very proximate to MICT, North Harbor so the idea is to develop ramps to the port itself,” he said.

“The advantage is that it is needed by the ports. You have to bring the port closer to the NLEX (North Luzon Expressway). In which case, commercial vehicles will have the option instead of using at grade C3, they will just continue on the ramp all the way to the pier,” Quimbo said.

Quimbo said the schedule of the project’s implementation would depend on the Department of Public Works and Highways’  approval as the proposal would still have to undergo the review process of the agency.

Meanwhile, MPTC-unit NLEX Corp. continues work on the Harbor Link R10 Section, which is now 65 percent complete. 

The elevated 2.6-km section stretches west from the new Caloocan Interchange to Radial Road 10 in Navotas City. An important feature of the project is a new off-ramp that will bring motorists directly from the NLEX to Dagat-Dagatan in Malabon City.

Quimbo said the project is set for full completion by March next year, with a partial completion target by Jan. 15.

The Harbor Link is intended to facilitate direct access between the Port Area and North and Central Luzon via the NLEX.

NLEX said motorists, especially those in the commercial trucking sector, would enjoy a hassle-free elevated expressway alternative to the choke points of EDSA Balintawak,  A. Bonifacio and C3/5th Avenue.

It is also envisioned for truckers who will be spared from the truck ban and subsequently experience quicker turn around.