P2.2-B NLEx Mindanao toll plaza-Quirino Highway link under way
The operator of North Luzon Expressway (NLEx) has started constructing the P2.2-billion expressway linking NLEx Mindanao toll plaza to Quirino Highway that is expected to be completed by the first quarter of next year.
NLEx Corp., a unit of Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC), held a groundbreaking ceremony for the NLEx C5 Northern Link Segment 8.2 Section 1A Project, which is seen to help motorists heading to and from Novaliches in Quezon City.
The tollway company tapped China Road and Bridge Corp. as the contractor for the project.
Once completed, MPTC president Jose Ma. Lim said the project would “cut travel time, making daily commutes and logistics operations more efficient.”
This 2-kilometer (km) toll road forms part of the 11.3-km NLEx-C5 Northlink project, which will link Mindanao Avenue to C5/CP Garcia near Katipunan Avenue. The entire project costs P24 billion.
“We are enthusiastic about this project as it contributes to our ongoing efforts to reduce traffic congestion on local roads in the metro,” Lim said, citing Edsa, Commonwealth Avenue, Quirino Highway and Mindanao Avenue.
Apart from this, the tollway operator is also working on NLEx Phase 3 Widening project, which will run from NLEx San Fernando to Subic–Clark–Tarlac Expressway Spur in Pampanga. Included in this project is the installation of roadway lighting infrastructure and construction of the Mexico interchange.
Alternate route
Last year, the tollway operator opened the new F. Raymundo Exit in Barangay Pandayan for class 1 vehicles and finished the widening of the Meycauayan northbound exit ramp.
The new exit is an alternative route for those going to Iba/Camalig, Metrogate, Lias, Lambakin, and Pantoc, F. Raymundo and Antonio Streets. Meanwhile, the additional lane at the Meycauayan northbound exit ramp will cater to motorists going to Malhacan.
NLEx Corp., meanwhile, implemented another toll hike this month.
Based on the new matrix, motorists traveling anywhere within the open system have to pay P79 for Class 1 vehicles (regular cars and SUVs), P199 for Class 2 vehicles (buses and small trucks) and P238 for Class 3 vehicles (large trucks). These meant increases of P5 for Class 1, P13 for Class 2 and P15 for Class 3.
The open system covers the cities of Navotas, Valenzuela, and Caloocan to Marilao, Bulacan.
Meanwhile, an end-to-end travel—or from Balintawak to Sta. Ines—now costs P416 for Class 1, P1,039 for Class 2 and P1,247 for Class 3. The new matrix shows increases amounting to P57 for Class 1, P142 for Class 2 and P171 for Class 3.
