P500-M NLEX works set to reduce accidents

MABALACAT CITY, Pampanga – The Manila North Tollways Corporation (MNTC), which manages and operates the North Luzon Expressway (NLEx), has allotted P500-million budget for the construction of two additional expressway lanes from Dau exit to Sta. Ines, Pampanga.

The MNTC said they have already prepared all necessary documents and requirements and they are now waiting for the approval of the Toll Regulatory Board to start the expansion project.

It explained that the two lanes would be added from both sides — northbound and southbound — of the expressways.

MNTC president Rodrigo Franco said the expansion is needed to avoid vehicular accidents that occur due to the narrow tracks. 

Franco said most accidents reported in NLEx happened in the said part of the expressway.

In a related development, MNTC also announced that it is set to begin the extension of NLEx up to C-5 in Quezon City on January next year.

The budget for this expansion is P7-billion. MNTC noted that once the expansion has been completed, NLEx to C-5 would become a ten-minute drive.

Franco said that MNTC is now coordinating with the National Housing Authority for the relocation of residents who will be affected by the project. He said right of way issues will be addressed before the start of the extension project.

The MNTC president clarified that the plan is to build a new road network for the expansion project, and not simply a conversion of the national road into an express lane.