SIZE matters! At least as far as expressways are concerned. The North Luzon Expressway (Nlex) Corp. managers and engineers seem to think so, as they haven’t stopped innovating.
They thought of adding 64 new lane-kilometers to an existing stretch. So a two-lane roadway becomes a three- to four-lane stretch.
Only recently, Nlex Corp. opened the new 64 lanes, after pouring P2.9-billion in new investments particularly in roadway sections between Santa Rita, Guiguinto, Bulacan and San Fernando City.
These also include the construction of new expressway lanes on both sides of the 5-km-long Candaba Viaduct, the first time it was expanded since its construction in the 1970s.
The tollway firm also built a new 2×2, 4-km expressway in the Mabalacat City portion of the Nlex, including two new bridges. This new project, which was completed in October of last year, segregates northbound and southbound motorists along separate carriageways to further promote road safety.
“As an advocate for countryside development and a main endorser of the new projects at the Nlex, the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. [PamCham] expects the new expressway lanes to enhance travel convenience and promote growth of local businesses,” PamCham President Jess Nicdao said.
Expanded Nlex is seen to spur further the rapid growth in the region, according to Central Luzon Regional Development Council Chairman and Angeles City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan.
Pamintuan believes that the opening of the new expressway lanes between Bulacan and Pampanga is a big boost to Central Luzon’s economy.
“The new 64 lane-kilometers will boost the tourism industry in the North and Central Luzon regions since these will provide easy and faster access to tourist destinations,” Tourism Region 3 Director Ronaldo Tiotuico said.
“Nlex has already boosted tourism in the region, and the 64 lane-kilometers will further transform the regions into favorite tourist destinations,” he added.
Manila North Tollways Corporation partially opened the new 4-km northbound carriageway in Mabalacat City, Pampanga in December last year in time for the busy season. This 4-km project, which costs about P235-million and included the new bridges at barangays Balem and Quitanguil—have since enhanced traffic safety and made the city more accessible.
Mabalacat City Mayor Marino “Boking” Morales said during the inauguration that “the new road makes Mabalacat more accessible to potential investors and could increase the city’s income”.
Included in the new Nlex projects is the installation of 800 LED lights from the Balagtas section all the way to San Fernando City. The Nlex Corp. will light up an additional 33 kilometers along Nlex in keeping with its commitment to promoting motorist safety.
The innovative spirit continues to drive the folks at Nlex Corp. This drive for innovation is moved by Nlex’s commitment to continue delighting motorists.