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QUEZON CITY, (PIA)--The España Section of the North-Luzon Expressway (NLEX) Connector, which opens on March 27, is expected to ease traffic congestion in the metropolis and will improve efficiency on the road, according to Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista.
Bautista said the NLEX Connector is a very important project of the government to support economic growth, while allowing commuters to spend more time with families.
"Very important 'to sa ating mga mananakay. It will result to easing of traffic and because of that, magkakaroon ang mga mananakay ng mas time sa kanilang pamilya," Bautista said on Wednesday, March 1, during the final inspection of the NLEX Connector España Segment at the NLEX Caloocan Interchange. Bautista was joined by Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan.
Bautista expressed gratitude to private stakeholders, such as the Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), for playing an integral role in undertaking transport infrastructure projects geared towards national development.
"Mas mabilis ang delivery ng goods and services 'pag mayroong maayos na kalsada," explained the transport chief.
A joint effort by the Department of Transportation (DOTr), DPWH, Toll Regulatory Board (TRB), NLEX Corporation and MPTC, the 8.0-kilometer P23.3 billion-worth NLEX Connector España Section is now 98 percent complete.
According to NLEX Corp., the expressway is eyed to provide greater access to several areas in Manila including the University Belt.
Designed to cater to all vehicle classes including trucks, the four-lane (2x2) NLEX Connector will stimulate economic development by significantly improving the mobility of motorists and boost overall productivity.
Around 35,000 vehicles daily are seen to benefit from the new road by providing infrastructure support to decongest local roads and enhance the operations of various businesses especially those in logistics sector.
Cargo trucks can pass through the road 24/7 without having to worry about truck ban, NLEX Corporation added.
The whole NLEX Connector stretches from Caloocan Interchange on C3 Road, Dimasalang, España Blvd., R. Magsaysay Blvd., up to the vicinity of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) in Sta. Mesa, Manila, with on and off ramps at C3, España Blvd., and Ramon Magsaysay Blvd. (dotr/pia-ncr)