MNTC starts construction of roads connecting NLEX from all directions

MANILA, Philippines - Manila North Tollways Corp. (MNTC) will begin construction of the second phase of a road project connecting the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) from all four directions. Measuring a total of 22.48 kilometers, phase 2 consists of four toll road projects from all directions, cutting travel time and easing traffic congestion, said Metro Pacific Tollways Corp., the parent of MNTC. The project’s first phase was the 84-kilometer NLEX that begins in Balintawak, Caloocan and ends in Sta. Ines, Mabalacat, Pampanga. It began full commercial operation in February 2005. Commencement of phase 2’s construction was announced during the groundbreaking of Segment 8.1, a 2.7 kilometer road that will connect Mindanao Avenue in Quezon City to the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) main gateway in Valenzuela City. The road will feature 2x2 lanes, a two-way service road and a clover leaf interchange north of the Balintawak toll plaza, MNTC said. Besides featuring a toll collection system similar to NLEX, Segment 8.1 will have other vital service amenities including traffic management and communication, median lighting, lane markings, signage, and emergency call boxes. All these will be fully integrated with the NLEX mainline at no additional costs to motorists. In Segment 8.1, an estimated P907 million was used to acquire 347 individual lots, plus P600 million for resettlement purposes. Leighton Contractors (Philippines) Inc. was chosen as the civil works contractor which is expected to complete the project on April 2010. The project will be funded by a seven year loan from the Philippine National Bank which was arranged by the PNB Capital and Investments Corp. Egis Projects Philippines will supply the equipment for the project. - GMANews.TV