THOROUGHFARE operator Manila North Tollways Corp. (MNTC) has set a P1.14-billion capital to undertake massive expansion of lanes in major toll plazas at the North Luzon Expressway (Nlex) and the Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway (Sctex).
This spending program, MNTC President Rodrigo E. Franco said, will result in a “dramatic positive impact on enhancing the travel experience of motorists plying the integrated expressway.” Topping the list of expanding toll plazas is the Nlex Bocaue toll barrier, where MNTC is constructing eight more lanes from the current 25 toll lanes to 33 toll lanes. The Bocaue toll plaza at the southbound portion is set to open next month.
Being built at a cost of P232 million, this new toll plaza will accommodate over 50,000 southbound motorists who pass through the toll plaza every day.
The Balintawak toll barrier will also be expanded from the existing 16 lanes to 23 lanes, at a budget of P176 million.
“We are doing these projects to minimize queuing at the toll plazas, especially during peak hours, aside from assuring our motorists to continue experiencing speedy toll transactions at the Nlex-Sctex,” Franco said.
Meanwhile, three new lanes in a fishbone scheme will be constructed at the Nlex Mindanao Avenue, amounting to P32 million. Since it opened in 2010, the Mindanao toll plaza has been a useful alternative entry to Nlex from Quezon City.
The Mabiga Interchange will have two new toll plazas with two toll lanes each, amounting to P75 million. Two lanes will also be added to the Subic-Tipo toll barrier, costing P70 million.
The San Fernando Interchange is also up for a P287-million enhancement as part of the second phase of the Nlex road widening. The existing 2×2 lanes will be expanded to 2×4 lanes, including the interchange bridge, while the east and west rotundas will be converted into signalized intersections to address traffic congestion in the area.
The Meycauayan Interchange will undergo a P154-million improvement, which includes the relocation of the southbound toll plaza, signalization of the east rotunda, rectification of pavement, widening of the Malhacan road approach and opening of temporary exits.
Also part of the expansion projects are the improvement of the existing interchange ramp in Nlex Spur that connects Nlex and Sctex worth P40 million and the utilization of Santa Ines Interchange as a full interchange, amounting to P73 million.
“These continual improvements at Nlex-Sctex hope to guarantee motorists of a similarly high level of customer service despite the rising traffic volume in our expressways,” Franco said.