CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan — Provincial leaders are fully supporting the network expansion plans of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEx) and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), particularly the proposed road network improvements around the Bocaue area in this province.
The proposed road network improvements include the new NLEX access road via Tambubong; a new Bocaue interchange bypass southbound entry; the expansion of the existing Bocaue interchange ramps; development of the full Balagtas interchange; and the opening of a direct access road within the Ciudad de Victoria leading to Gov. Halili Avenue in Santa Maria, Bulacan.
According to the provincial officials, these proposed road projects are expected to boost economic growth; improve the delivery of public services; and provide motorists and commuters with maximum travel convenience and safety.
”The implementation of the road projects will significantly contribute to the decongestion of the Bocaue Interchange and Gov. Halili Avenue in Bocaue and Santa Maria, Bulacan,” Bulacan 2nd District Rep. Gavini Pancho said.
CIBAC Party-List Rep. Sherwin Tugna, for his part, said “the new road improvements are necessary to make Bulacan province more vibrant and attractive to potential investors.”
DPWH Central Luzon Regional Director Roseller Tolentino affirmed that the agency is prepared to support the road network expansion along the NLEX leading to the national roads to further develop the growth of local businesses in the province.
Based on the project proposals, priority will be given to a new southbound entry ramp in Barangay Taal and northbound entry and exit ramps will be constructed in Barangay Tambubong to help alleviate heavy traffic conditions at the current Bocaue interchange.
The future interchange will serve as an alternative route for motorists bound for Pandi, Bulacan and nearby towns.
A new access road will also be built from Gov. F. Halili Avenue in Barangay Turo to the southbound portion near the Bocaue Toll Plaza.
With this new bypass, motorists coming from the west side of the NLEX will have an alternate route via the NLEX to Manila without passing through the heavily-traveled Bocaue Interchange.
The ramps of the Bocaue interchange will also be expanded to accommodate the additional lanes at the bridge currently being constructed by the DPWH.
The Balagtas interchange, on the other hand, will also get a boost with the construction of new northbound and southbound access roads.
Motorists coming from Balagtas going to the north will no longer need to use local roads to use the Sta. Rita interchange.
Eventually, motorists from the north will also be able to exit at Balagtas southbound instead of using Bocaue interchange.
Bulacan province has been contributing to the thriving economy of Central Luzon — the country’s second fastest growing region which, according to National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), posted a 9.3-percent increase in its gross regional domestic product in 2017. (Manny Balbin/PNA)
