By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
In time for the expected influx of travelers as part of the observance of All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days, a new thoroughfare is set to relieve traffic buildup along the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX).
This, as President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the opening of NLEX-C5 Northlink Segment 8.2 Section 1A in Valenzuela City on Thursday.
The two-kilometer section of Segment 8.2 connects Quirino Highway in Quezon City to NLEX Mindanao Toll Plaza in Valenzuela City, cutting travel time from 40 minutes to just five minutes while improving safety and convenience for up to 11,000 motorists daily.
President Marcos Jr. said in his media remarks at the sidelines of the event, “At ito (NLEX-C5 Northlink Segment 8.2 Section 1A) ay binuksan natin ngayon dahil ang katotohanan, ang schedule nito hindi pa ngayon dapat mabubuksan, pero pinilit na natin na buksan para makapaghanda sa Undas.”
The road segment, opened ahead of schedule, is part of the government’s efforts to improve road connectivity and decongest thoroughfares in Metro Manila.
It will also give motorists on Quirino Highway direct access to the NLEX Connector and provide an alternative route to Manila, the University Belt, and nearby cities.
Operating 24/7 and accommodating all vehicle classes, the new section will facilitate the movement of people and goods and support transport logistics and economic activity.
Section 1A is part of the 11.3-kilometer NLEX-C5 Northlink Segment 8.2 project, which extends from Mindanao Avenue to C5/C.P. Garcia near Katipunan Avenue.
Infra project collab
Meanwhile, at the same event, President Marcos Jr. announced a proposed P120 billion elevated road project linking Balintawak in Quezon City to Bocaue, Bulacan.
The proposed infrastructure will serve as a collaboration between the MVP Group and SMC Group, and is expected to improve connectivity in Mega Manila.
The President expounded, “Ang MVP Group ay maglalagay sila ng investment na may halaga na 120 billion pesos… Maglalagay sila ng elevated na daan mula Balintawak hanggang Bocaue. Hanggang Bocaue ang aabutin.
Pinaki-usapan ko sila na magtulungan sila para madagdagan naman natin yung dinaadaanan. At iba ang magiging karanasan, ang experience, na na-experience para sa mga commuters na yan. Napakalaking investment na gagawin ng MVP Group. At siyempre, kasama nila ang SMC Group dahil kailangan nilang mag-coordinate.”
This collaborative effort brings together funding and expertise from two of the country’s leading developers behind some of the major transport infrastructure corridors that form the backbone of the economy.
Apart from serving as an alternative route, the P120-billion investment is set to spur economic development, generate jobs, and reduce transportation expenses. (with report from Kenneth Paciente | PTV News)
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